Heather McLeod is a senior commercial officer on her second overseas tour at the U.S. Embassy in Luanda, where she helps U.S. companies export their products and services to this dynamic market. Prior to her current posting, Heather served as the Deputy Commercial Officer at U.S. Embassy Doha working on one of the largest advocacy portfolios in the world with 54 cases valued at over $54 billion. Heather also delivered the first commerce-led trade mission to Qatar, resulting in a 100+ person reception, numerous deals valued at millions of dollars, and satisfied U.S. business clients. Heather was also the Foreign Commercial Service lead for trade promotion activity focused on U.S. agricultural exports, tourism, and education at the USA Pavilion during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Heather served in a domestic assignment at the U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) in Atlanta, GA. During her first year as an international trade specialist, she tapped into local business associations to attract new small/medium-sized business clients. Her activities focused on promoting U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) export promotion programs and providing counselling to guide businesses to achieve their first export deal. She joined USCS in August 2019.
Prior to USCS, Heather worked with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection as a Branch Chief for Middle East Affairs and as the Kenya desk officer. She focused on helping other countries enhance their border security operations through technical assistance and information sharing in both capacities. Heather is knowledgeable about international trade, border security, economic security, illegal smuggling/trafficking of people and goods, and international development.
Heather speaks French, Portuguese, and English (native language).