Michele Sison joined the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as Director of its Global Office in Washington, D.C. in February 2025, bringing a wealth of experience in humanitarian affairs and diplomacy. Michele leads IOM Washington’s efforts to strengthen partnerships and enhance engagement with U.S.-based institutions. An experienced leader and former U.S. Ambassador, Michele has over four decades of diplomatic experience in Africa, South Asia, the Middle East, Haiti and Washington, D.C.
Michele most recently served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs (December 2021-January 2025). Prior to that assignment, Michele served as U.S. Ambassador to Haiti (2018-2021) and as U.S. Deputy Representative to the United Nations (2014-2018). In addition, she served as U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives (2012-2014), U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon (2008-2010), and U.S. Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (2004-2008). Throughout her career, she has been deeply engaged on migration issues, countering trafficking in persons, supporting civil society, and advancing conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Michele’s diplomatic assignments also include Assistant Chief of Mission in Baghdad, Iraq; Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South Asia; Deputy Chief of Mission in Islamabad, Pakistan; and earlier diplomatic assignments in India, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Benin, and Togo. She is the recipient of the U.S. Presidential Distinguished and Meritorious Service Awards, and the U.S. Department of the Army’s Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. Michele holds numerous U.S. Department of State awards, including an Ambassadorial-level award for her work in combatting trafficking in persons. She holds the rank of Career Ambassador.
