By KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — The American Institute in Taiwan’s Kaohsiung branch office will welcome two new senior diplomats this week as the United States rotates personnel at its southern Taiwan post.
Lee Skluzak assumed duties as branch chief on July 2, while Harry R. Thompson will serve as deputy branch chief with responsibility for economic and consular affairs, AIT said.
The appointments place two career U.S. Foreign Service officers in key roles overseeing American engagement in southern Taiwan, including commercial, educational and cultural exchanges as well as services for U.S. citizens.
Skluzak joined the U.S. Foreign Service in 2011 and has served in Pakistan, China, Japan and the Netherlands. His most recent assignment was at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.
Thompson arrives from Beijing, where he worked on law enforcement and counternarcotics issues. He has also served in India, Timor-Leste and Shanghai.AIT’s Kaohsiung office works with local governments, businesses and community organizations across southern Taiwan.
The office also provides consular assistance and supports economic ties between the United States and the region.
AIT functions as Washington’s de facto diplomatic mission in Taiwan.
