On December 29, 2010, President Obama appointed Frank Ricciardone as the US Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey. This appointment has ended a six month period of time when the position was vacant. The former Ambassador, James Jeffrey, is currently serving as the US Ambassador to Iraq. Following the announcement, G. Lincoln McCurdy, President of the Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) released the following statement:
"During his time in Ankara, Ambassador Ricciardone will continue to foster the long-standing commercial and security relationship between the US and Turkey. TCA is confident that Ricciardone brings significant experience and statesmanship to his new posting and will help to accomplish our nations’ mutual goals. We also take this opportunity to congratulate the appointment of Matthew Bryza as Ambassador to Azerbaijan, a nation with which Turkey and the United States share significant ties. We hope that both Ambassadors will work together with the respective governments in their host nations to end conflicts, bring peace and prosperity to the people of the region, while enhancing the image of the United States."