James Applegate took up his duties as U.S. Consul General in Belfast in August 2023.  Prior to moving to Northern Ireland, James served as the Director for Europe and Asia Programs in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs(INL).  

He previously served as Political and Economic Counselor at Embassy Rangoon during the 2021 coup and its aftermath, and as the head of the DPRK Unit on the Korea Desk during a period of active negotiations.  His other tours include Guangzhou, Canberra, Kabul, the State Department’s Operations Center, the Foreign Service Institute’s School of Leadership and Management Studies, and the U.S. Mission to the International Organizations in Vienna (UNVIE).

James holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in international economics and finance from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).  Prior to joining the Foreign Service, James served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Armenia and worked as an Emergency Medical Technician.  He is half of a tandem couple, and his spouse, Sarah Boyke, is currently a Career Development Officer.  James has two children and is a native of west Michigan.

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