During his tour as the U.S. Ambassador in Kenya, from August 1999 to July 2003, Ambassador Carson was responsible for rebuilding and restoring full diplomatic services at the U.S. embassy in Nairobi following its destruction by terrorist in 1998. Prior to this assignment to Kenya, he served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs at the Department of State. Ambassador Carson is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor.

Since joining the Foreign Service in 1969, Ambassador Carson has held a number of assignments in or related to Africa. He served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Zimbabwe from 1995-1997 and as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Uganda from 1991-1994. He was posted as Consular and Political Officer at the American Embassy in Lagos, Nigeria from 1969-1971; Deputy Chief of Mission at the American Embassy in Maputo, Mozambique from 1975-1978; and Deputy Chief of Mission at the American Embassy in Gaborone, Botswana from 1986-1990. At the Department of State he held the position of Desk Officer for Angola, Mozambique, and Namibia in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research from 1971-1974. Mr. Carson also served as Staff Director for the Africa Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1979-1982. During his tenure as Staff Director of the African Subcommittee, Ambassador Carson was responsible for writing the legislation that created the African Development Foundation (ADF) and the first major overseas scholarship program for black South Africans. He was also instrumental in expanding the funding for African refugee programs and drafting the first major anti-apartheid legislation passed by the U.S. Congress.

In addition, Ambassador Carson served as Staff Officer in the Staff Secretariat in the Office of the Secretary of State from 1978-1979. He held the assignment of Deputy Political Counselor at the American Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal from 1982-1986. Before joining the Foreign Service, Mr. Carson was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Tanzania from 1965-1968.

Ambassador Carson received his undergraduate education from Drake University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science and his graduate education from the School of Oriental and Africa Studies at the University of London where he was awarded a Master of Arts in International Relations. Ambassador Carson is the recipient of several Superior Honor Awards from the Department of State and a Meritorious Service Award from Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. The Centers for Disease control presented Ambassador Carson its highest award, “Champion of Prevention Award”, for his leadership in directing the U.S. Governments HIV/AIDS prevention efforts in Kenya.

Ambassador Carson is married to Anne D. Carson. They have three children.