Derek Shearer

Derek Shearer (born December 5, 1946) is an American former diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to Finland. He is currently employed by Occidental College, directing the McKinnon Center for Global Affairs and serving as a Chevalier Professor of Diplomacy and World Affairs.

Life and career Shearer was born in Los Angeles on December 5, 1946. He received a bachelor's degree from Yale University. His roommate at Yale was Strobe Talbott. Shearer received a doctoral degree from the Union Graduate School.

Shearer held his ambassador post from 1994 through 1997, and before that served in the United States Department of Commerce. His roommate Talbott married his sister Brooke. Shearer was married to Ruth Yannatta Goldway, who had served as the mayor of Santa Monica, California.

As of 2009, Derek Shearer lives in the Pacific Palisades community of Los Angeles with his wife, Sue Toigo, a financial consultant.