2 Minnesotans nominated for top diplomatic jobs

Article by: Star Tribune
Updated: November 19, 2009 - 12:25 AM

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President Obama has nominated two Minnesotans for high positions in the diplomatic corps and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The White House announced Tuesday that Obama has named Scott DeLisi as ambassador to Nepal and sent his name to the Senate. He also announced plans to nominate Dr. Robert A. Petzel as undersecretary for health at the veterans department.

DeLisi, who grew up in South St. Paul and received a bachelor's degree and law degree from the University of Minnesota, is a career foreign service officer who served as U.S. ambassador to Eritrea during the Bush administration.

Reflecting on previous postings in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Botswana five years ago, DeLisi said, "Before I left Minnesota, I didn't know what I was getting into."

If confirmed by the Senate, DeLisi will be the third Minnesotan to become an ambassador in the Obama administration.

Petzel has been an acting undersecretary at the Veterans Health Administration since May and previously was director of the department's Midwest Health Care Network.

He also was chief of staff at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and is a member of the faculty of the University of Minnesota's medical school.

BOB VON STERNBERG