Ronald Johnson has been confirmed by the Senate as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico on April 9, 2025. Johnson's career in service to the United States spans over four decades, beginning with his role as an officer in the U.S. Army and extending through various positions within the intelligence community. Most recently, he served as the U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador.
Among his numerous roles, Johnson was notably involved with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as its Science and Technology Liaison to the U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida. Before this position, he acted as a Special Advisor to the U.S. Southern Command in Miami, where he facilitated collaboration between the Command and the Intelligence Community on issues such as refugees, counter-narcotics, counter-terrorism, human rights, and tropical virus disease control.
Johnson's other assignments include serving as Deputy Special Advisor to the Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command from 2006 to 2008 and working as a senior operations officer at the CIA. His military career began in 1984 when he joined active duty in the Army after serving in the Alabama Army National Guard since 1971.
Educationally, Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the State of New York and a Master of Science degree from National Intelligence University. He has received several awards throughout his career including an Honorary Doctor of Humanities from Williamson College, along with prestigious recognitions like "the Sue M. Cobb Award for Exemplary Diplomatic Service" and "the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – Joint Distinguished Civilian Service Award."