Vernelle FitzPatrick

Vernelle Trim FitzPatrick is an American diplomat who had served as the United States ambassador to Gabon.

Early life and education FitzPatrick earned her bachelor's degree from Davidson College and her master's degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and before this assignment, she served as Acting Deputy Director for the Office of Central African Affairs in the Bureau of African Affairs at the State Department. She also has served as deputy director for the Office of West African Affairs in the Bureau of African Affairs. FitzPatrick has also served as an Ethiopia Desk Officer in the Office of East African Affairs and held positions as the Political Section Chief at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, Ghana, as well as a Political Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. She was sworn into office on January 12, 2024. She arrived in Gabon on January 16, 2024. She presented her credentials to Transitional President of Gabon Brice Oligui on January 26, 2024.

Personal life Her languages include French and Spanish.