Richard Michaels has assumed the role of Chargé d’affaires, a.i. in Lomé as of June 2025. Michaels, a seasoned member of the Senior Foreign Service, previously served as Director of West Africa in the Bureau of African Affairs in Washington. In this position, he managed relations with 16 countries.
His career also includes experience as Deputy Chief of Mission in Beirut, Lebanon, and Economic Counselor in Abuja, Nigeria. Michaels' other assignments include roles such as DCM in Kigali, Rwanda; legislative fellow in the U.S. Senate; Political/Economic Counselor in Tunis, Tunisia; Special Assistant in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; Political/Economic Chief in Monterrey, Mexico; Economic Officer in Baghdad, Iraq; Staff Assistant in the Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs; Cultural Attaché in Beirut; and Political/Consular Officer in Kuwait.
Prior to his diplomatic service, Michaels worked with Delta Air Lines' international business units. He is an alumnus of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and holds a master's degree from Stanford University. Proficient in Spanish, French, Arabic, and Portuguese, Michaels is originally from Wisconsin.