Ambassador Nichols served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) from 2011-2013. In that capacity, he oversaw the full range of rule of law programs and counter-narcotics issues of the Department of State. Ambassador Nichols directed INL programs in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Europe, and Asia and led U.S. delegations to counter-narcotics and anti-crime fora. Prior to becoming Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, he served as a Deputy Assistant Secretary in INL.

From August 2007 to July 2010, Ambassador Nichols served as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia. As Deputy Chief of Mission, he managed day-to-day U.S. diplomatic activities in Colombia including overseeing over $500 million in annual U.S. development assistance, rule of law and security assistance. Ambassador Nichols previously served as the Director of the Office of Caribbean Affairs, coordinating U.S. policy toward 14 Caribbean countries, including U.S. efforts to re-establish democratic governance in Haiti. He also served as Counselor for Political Affairs at the American Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia from 2001 to 2004. In Indonesia, he worked to assist the Indonesian government respond to the Bali bombing terrorist attack, strengthen rule of law institutions, and consolidate its democracy. He served as Deputy Political Counselor in Mexico City, and Political Officer in El Salvador. Ambassador Nichols began his Foreign Service career as a Consular Officer in Lima, Perú from 1989 to 1991.

Ambassador Nichols is the recipient of the 2011 Presidential Meritorious Service Award, six Superior Honor Awards, and multiple other Department of State awards. A native of Rhode Island, he is a graduate of Tufts University.

Contact Information

Embassy of the United States
Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n
Surco, Lima 33, Peru

Phone: (51-1) 618-2000
Fax: (51-1) 618-2397

Website: http://lima.usembassy.gov/