Hearing of the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps, and Narcotics Affairs of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations - Nominations

Interview

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SEN. SUSAN M. COLLINS (R-ME): Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Senator Corker.

It's my privilege today to join Senator Snowe in presenting Peter Cianchette to this committee. We're very proud that he has been nominated to be our next ambassador to Costa Rica.

As Senator Snowe indicated, the United States and Costa Rica have a long history of friendship and cooperation. Mr. Cianchette is an outstanding choice to strengthen this relationship.

With more than 20 years of business experience and public service, he has a proven ability to work cooperatively with others to achieve progress. As a dedicated community leader and civic activist, he has a long and distinguished record of using his talents to benefit others. As Senator Snowe mentioned, Peter served two terms in the Maine Legislature. He ably represented the people of South Portland and Cape Elizabeth. He has a long business record as well. He's been a partner in the Maine private investment firm known as CHK Capital Partners and he's president of one of its portfolio companies. He's also the owner and president of the Cianchette Group, a public affairs management and business consulting firm.

Prior to this, Peter served as the COO and executive vice president of Pierce Atwood Consulting. He previously had founded Cianchette Enterprises, which owned and operated a successful employee staffing, recruiting and placement company. He also served previously as senior executive in one of Maine's manufacturing firms -- the Dragon Products Company, a leading manufacturer of cement and concrete, and a subsidiary of the largest cement producer in Spain.

I mention this in particular because I know the chairman is always concerned about language capabilities and skills. In that position, Mr. Cianchette participated in meetings conducted in Spanish, and he is continuing to perfect his command of that language. I know that skill's going to be an invaluable asset in the position to which he's been nominated.

Mr. Cianchette's impressive business resume is exceeded on by his commitment to community service. I won't repeat the long list of community organizations which Senator Snowe has already alluded to, but suffice it to say that whenever a community group needs a strong leader, they turn to Peter Cianchette and he always answers the call.

He is also a graduate of the University of Maine and, with his wife, Carolyn, the proud parent of two children.

There's one particular aspect of Peter's public service that I believe deserves special mention. His service in the Maine Legislature and his political campaigns have always been marked by civility, decency and integrity. He is one of those rare elected officials who has opponents but does not have enemies. He is able to work with people across party lines.

These character traits have been evident in his business endeavors and in his community service, and they will serve our nation well if he is confirmed for this diplomatic position.

Mr. Chairman, Senator Corker, members of the committee, I strongly endorse Peter Cianchette's nomination to be our next ambassador to Costa Rica, and I join Senator Snowe in enthusiastically recommending him for your favorable consideration.

Thank you very much.

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