Don Yamamoto graduated from McClancy H.S. in 1971, and from Columbia College in 1975 and Columbia University with a Master’s Degree in 1978. Upon entering the Foreign Service, Don worked as a U.S. diplomat for 42 years. His work took him and his family to the Middle East, Asia and to over 31 countries in Africa. Don, his spouse, Maggie, and 2 children, served together in assignments that included Don’s work reporting on the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy crackdown in Beijing, China in 1989. Other assignments included service as Ambassador to Djibouti after 9/11, supporting the establishment of a U.S. and Allied forward operating base to combat terrorist and drug networks. Following service as the U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, Don was selected as the acting Assistant Secretary and senior U.S. Government official handling policy towards Africa.
Of note, Don was called on to serve as Assistant U.S. Ambassador in Kabul, Afghanistan and advise the Third Infantry division in Bagram Air Base (2014-15), where his son, a U.S. Army Officer, was also serving. Don was then selected to serve as the Vice President at the National Defense University at Ft. McNair in Washington, D.C. Later, Don served as Ambassador to Somalia (2018-2021) to reestablish the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu, after a 27-year absence, and to coordinate U.S. and allied stabilization efforts in this war zone. Upon retirement, Don was recalled back to service as the Political Advisor for the Commanding General for Joint Special Operations Command, followed by a senior position in support of the Secretary of State.
Following up on service for the U.S. Military Chaplain Corps and Eucharistic Ministry work, Don joined his wife as active volunteers at their Church in Virginia, mentoring colleagues, and supporting their two U.S. Army Officer children and their families.