Kennedy, Laura Elizabeth, 1951-

Laura Elizabeth Kennedy (born 1951) is a retired American diplomat. She notably served as U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan (2001-2003) and as U.S. Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva (2010-2013).

After graduating from Vassar College (B.A.) and American University (M.A.), Kennedy joined the U.S. Foreign Service in 1975. Her domestic assignments include the Offices of People’s Republic of China Affairs, Soviet Affairs, Jordan/Syria/Lebanon/Palestinian Affairs (Deputy Director), and Central Eurasian Affairs (Director). She also spent a sabbatical year at Stanford University and graduated from the Senior Seminar of the Department of State. Abroad, she was detailed to an official US-USSR exchange exhibit in Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan. She served at U.S. Embassies in Moscow (twice) Ankara, Yerevan (Chargé d’Affaires), and Ashgabat and at U.S. Missions to international organizations in Vienna (Deputy Permanent Representative) and Geneva. She was appointed by President George W. Bush as Ambassador to Turkmenistan (2001-2003).

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