John B. Emerson served as US Ambassador to Germany from 2013-2017. Serving at a particularly challenging time, in 2015 Ambassador Emerson was awarded the State Department's prestigious Sue M. Cobb Award for Exemplary Diplomatic Service, which is given annually to one non-career Ambassador. Previously, Mr. Emerson was President of Private Client Services for the Capital Group Companies (1997-2013); a member of President Obama’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations (2010-2013); on President Clinton's senior staff from 1993 to 1997 (Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs); LA’s Chief Deputy City Attorney (1987-1993); and a law partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips. Active on a number of civic and charitable boards, Mr. Emerson graduated from Hamilton College (AB, '75) and University of Chicago (JD, '78). He is married to human rights activist Kimberly Marteau Emerson. The Emersons have three daughters in college.