Calvin Smyre nominated as ambassador to the Dominican Republic

Channel 2 Action News learned that President Joe Biden plans to nominate State Representative Calvin Smyre as the next ambassador to the Dominican Republic.

Smyre’s office confirmed the news and sent a statement to Channel 2’s Richard Elliot, saying:

“I am deeply honored to be nominated by President Biden to serve as Ambassador to the Dominican Republic. If confirmed, I hope to advance the interests of the United States in the Dominican Republic and our relationship with the Dominican government. As a long-time businessman and public servant, I will bring my background and experience to continue the important work with an important economic partner in the Caribbean ”.

If confirmed by the Senate, the retired Synovus banking executive will head to the Dominican Republic at a time when the island nation faces new challenges.

Smyre has served in the Georgia House since 1974, making him one of the longest-serving House members in the state’s history.

He was the House Minority Leader for years before resigning.

An expert in building relationships, Smyre was at the center of the negotiations when the then governor. Roy Barnes decided to tear down the 1956 Georgia flag and its Confederate emblem. As chair of the House Rules Committee in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he had a say in all of the important laws of the Gold Dome.