Eric Todd Schultz (born 1959) is an American diplomat and career member of the Senior Foreign Service who served as the United States Ambassador to Zambia from 2014 to 2017.[1][2][3] He has held numerous senior diplomatic positions throughout his career,focusing on economic affairs,security,and U.S. relations with countries in Europe,Africa,and the former Soviet Union.
Schultz graduated with honors from Macalester College in St. Paul,Minnesota,in 1982,where he wrote a senior thesis titled “Ethno-nationalism:Threat and Promise.”He later earned a Master of Arts in International Studies from the University of Denver. He is proficient in French,Russian,and Ukrainian.[2][3]
Diplomatic Career
Schultz has served in multiple key diplomatic roles:[2][4]
During his tenure as United States Ambassador to Zambia (2014–2017),Eric T. Schultz focused on several key areas:
Trade and Investment:Schultz prioritized expanding opportunities for U.S. companies in Zambia,aiming to increase trade and investment as the country moved toward middle-income status. He emphasized the role of American businesses in setting standards for honest,non-corrupt practices and creating local jobs.[5][6]
Democratic Governance and Human Rights:Schultz advocated for Zambia to uphold its democratic traditions and human rights standards,encouraged open dialogue among political parties,media,and civil society,and supported the development of new generations of leaders.[5] He also commended Zambia for maintaining its status as a beacon of peace and democracy in Africa,and stressed the significance of a free press.[7]
Health and Disease Prevention:Under Schultz’s leadership,the U.S. continued its substantial support for Zambia’s health sector,particularly through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). By 2013,U.S. assistance had contributed about $2.25 billion to Zambia’s fight against HIV/AIDS,helping to save hundreds of thousands of lives.[5]
Environmental and Wildlife Conservation:Schultz was vocal about the need to protect Zambia’s wildlife,especially endangered species like rhinos and elephants. He highlighted U.S. government support for conservation efforts,such as white rhino monitoring through USAID and partnerships with the African Wildlife Foundation,and promoted the idea that wildlife is a renewable resource vital to Zambia’s future prosperity and tourism industry.[8][9]
Infrastructure and Water Access:Schultz oversaw the implementation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact with Zambia,which focused on improving access to clean water and sanitation in Lusaka. He stressed the importance of Zambia maintaining democratic and governance standards as part of this partnership.[5]
After his ambassadorship,Schultz joined the Roosevelt Group as a senior advisor in 2022,continuing his involvement in international affairs and policy advising.[4]
In December 2021,Eric T. Schultz registered as the initial agent and sole member of ETS Consulting,a limited liability company,under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) with the U.S. Department of Justice.[10] According to the official filings,ETS Consulting represented interests in Ukraine,with Schultz listed as the individual empowered to act on behalf of the foreign principal - Ukrainian Federation of Employers of the Oil and Gas Industry.[11][12][13] These FARA filings describe outreach,advocacy,and public relations activities. A report by the Quincy Institute on US lobbying by Russia and Ukraine mentions ETS Consulting as part of efforts coordinated by UFEOGI in its opposition to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and advocating for Ukrainian energy security in the United States,but attributes the majority of lobbying and public relations efforts to other US firms.[14] ETS Consulting played a supporting but integral role in the broader campaign to safeguard Ukraine’s energy sector and advocate for U.S. policies aligned with Ukrainian interests.[14]
Personal life
Eric Schultz resides in Falls Church,VA.[10] He is married to Klaudia Schultz. They have two sons,Alek and Adam.[15]
References
↑ Office of the Historian (March 14, 2024). "Eric T. Schultz". US Department of State.
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