Roger F. Nyhus

Roger F. Nyhus is an American business and civic leader who had served as the United States ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the OECS.

Early life and education Nyhus was born in the fishing village of Westport, Washington. His father was a commercial fisherman and municipal court clerk. He is a member of the Chinook Indian Nation.

Career Nyhus is the founder and former CEO of Nyhus Communications, a communications and public affairs firm based in Seattle, Washington, the eighth largest Native American-owned company in the state of Washington.

He has participated in international trade missions to China, Ireland, Cuba, and the United Arab Emirates. Nyhus has also served as a trusted adviser to business, government, and nonprofit leaders worldwide, including CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. During his career, Nyhus served as the Communications Director for Washington Governor Gary Locke, a Senior Advocacy Officer for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Communications Director for Seattle Mayor Paul Schell. He also served on the boards of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Seattle Association.

U.S. ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean On September 20, 2022, President Joe Biden nominated Nyhus to be the ambassador to Barbados, while also serving as the ambassador to Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. His nomination was returned to Biden at the end of the Congress on January 3, 2023, as no action was taken on it.

President Biden renominated Nyhus the same day. Hearings on his nomination were held before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on May 4, 2023. The committee favorably reported his nomination on June 1, 2023. On November 15, 2023, the Senate confirmed Nyhus by a voice vote. He presented his credentials to President of Barbados Sandra Mason on January 19, 2024.

During his time as ambassador, Nyhus created a U.S. partnership to improve court system efficiency in Barbados, promoted U.S. business investment in the region, and, along with Interior Secretary Deb Haaland partnered with Eastern Caribbean nations to help combat climate change.

U.S. ambassador to St. Lucia Nyhus presented his credentials to Governor General Errol Charles on January 31, 2024.

U.S. ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda Nyhus presented his credentials to Governor General Sir Rodney Williams on February 2, 2024.

U.S. ambassador to Grenada Nyhus presented his credentials to Governor General Cécile La Grenade on February 6, 2024.

U.S. ambassador to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Nyhus presented his credentials to Governor General Susan Dougan on February 9, 2024.

U.S. ambassador to Saint Kitts and Nevis Nyhus presented his credentials to Governor General Marcella Liburd on February 14, 2024.

U.S. ambassador to Dominica Nyhus presented his credentials to President Sylvanie Burton on February 26, 2024.

Awards and recognitions In February 2023, Washington State University announced Nyhus would be inducted into Murrow College's Hall of Achievement.