Lee Lipton, interim OAS envoy, nominated as the next U.S. ambassador to the Philippines (U.S. Department of State)
The White House names Florida businessman and interim OAS envoy Lee Lipton to succeed career diplomat MaryKay Carlson, pending Senate confirmation
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House has nominated Lee Lipton of Florida to be the next United States ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, according to a presidential announcement released on October 8, 2025.
If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Lipton will succeed Ambassador MaryKay Loss Carlson, a career diplomat who has served in Manila since July 2022.
Lee Lipton’s diplomatic role
Lipton serves as the Interim Permanent Representative to the United States Mission to the Organization of American States (OAS), where he oversees mission operations and interagency coordination in support of U.S. priorities in the Western Hemisphere.
In this capacity, he supports U.S. engagement on regional challenges, including the situation in Haiti, and efforts to counter malign influence within the Inter-American system.
Lipton brings extensive private-sector experience to the role, a background that informs his approach to multilateral economic engagement.
From business to diplomacy
Before public service, Lipton founded and led an apparel business in New York City, overseeing design, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution for licensed collections with global brands including Calvin Klein, St. John Knits, and Guess. After selling the company to a publicly traded firm, he moved into the hospitality industry in Florida.
Local reporting identifies him as an owner of Benny’s on the Beach in Lake Worth Beach.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from Bryant University.
The significance of the Manila post
The ambassadorship to the Philippines is among Washington’s most consequential diplomatic assignments in Asia, central to alliance management, defense cooperation, trade, and people-to-people ties under the U.S.–Philippines
Ambassador MaryKay Carlson remains in office until a successor is confirmed. Her official biography notes prior senior postings and advanced degrees in international relations and national security strategy.
Nomination and Senate process
The nomination was received in the Senate on October 8, 2025, and referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for vetting and a hearing, after which it may proceed to a full Senate vote.
Upon confirmation, the incoming ambassador would present credentials at Malacañang Palace to formally begin tenure in Manila.
Public services and continuity
Until confirmation, embassy operations continue under Ambassador Carlson and the country team. Consular services and bilateral programs proceed as normal under State Department policy guidance.
