W. Stuart Symington IV is the former United States Ambassador to Nigeria from 2016 to 2019. Previously, he was the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central Africa and African Security Affairs (2015-2016), U.S. Special Representative for the Central African Republic (2014-2016 and Political Advisor to the Commander NORAD/US Northern Command 2011-2014). He served as Ambassador to Rwanda (2008-2011), Ambassador to Djibouti 2006-2008), and Deputy Chief of Mission and Charge’ d’affaires in Niger (2001-2003). He was also United States Department of State’s Representative at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia from 2005-06, Political Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq from 2004-05, and Deputy Director of the Department’s Office of West African Affairs from 2003-05.

Earlier in his career, Symington served in Ecuador, Mexico, Spain and Honduras and as a Pearson Fellow in the Office of U.S. Congressman Ike Skelton. Before joining the Department of State he practiced law in Missouri, New York, London, and Paris.

Symington received a B.A. from Brown University and a J.D. from Columbia Law School. He and his spouse Susan Ide Symington have been married for 40 years.