President Barack Obama Political party Democratic Children 2 & 2 stepchildren Education University of Florida Succeeded by David McKean | Preceded by Cynthia Stroum Spouse(s) Julie Walker Mandell Alma mater University of Florida Party Democratic Party | |
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Residence Winter Park, Florida, United States, Florida, United States, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, Luxembourg | ||
Robert A. "Bobby" Mandell (born 1947) is an American real estate developer and the 21st United States Ambassador to Luxembourg.
Biography
Mandell attended law school at the University of Florida, at the Fredric G. Levin College of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor. Starting out as a laborer for Greater Construction Co., he eventually became its President & CEO. He then became Chairman & CEO of Greater Properties, Inc. From 1987 to 1990, Mandell also served as the Chairman of the Florida Environmental Regulation Commission. In 2009, Senator Mel Martínez introduced him to President Barack Obama, who then appointed him to serve on the President's Export Council. He served as Vice Chairman of the Trade Promotion and Advocacy Subcommittee and a member of the Small and Medium Sized Business Engagement Subcommittee.
In June 2011, President Obama named Mandell the Ambassador to Luxembourg, replacing, Cynthia Stroum, who resigned following an internal report strongly criticizing her management. On 16 November 2011, he presented his credentials to Grand Duke Henri, and was confirmed as the 21st Ambassador.
Some controversy was associated with Mandell's appointment to the position, as he raised more than $200,000 for Obama's 2008 presidential campaign. Some have criticized Mandell's appointment given his lack of prior experience in diplomacy.