Margaret DeBardeleben Tutwiler

     Just saying her name—Margaret DeBardeleben Tutwiler—is an Alabama history lesson, bringing to mind one of the state’s industrial giants and its most famous champion of education and reform.

     But the U.S. Ambassador to Morocco has created her own history though passionate, thoughtful service to her country as a key player in the administrations of three U.S. Presidents and having worked for a fourth.

     During President George H.W. Bush’s administration, Ms. Tutwiler served as assistant secretary of state for public affairs and State Department spokesperson from 1989 to 1992. She traveled extensively in the Middle East and North Africa and dealt on a daily basis with the issues and policies that faced the region.

     Nearly every night on the evening news she spoke with candor, aplomb, and authority on behalf of the State Department. Some journalists contended she was one of the most powerful women in Washington and that her voice and face were as recognized around the world as the president’s.

     Ms. Tutwiler told The New York Times she was not powerful, it was only the position that was powerful.

     She began her rise during the Reagan administration where she served in the White House as an assistant to Chief of Staff James Baker III and as a deputy assistant to the president for political affairs. In President Reagan’s second term she served in the Treasury Department as assistant secretary for public affairs.  Recently Ms. Tutwiler served as a special envoy to the U.S. Office in Iraq to direct media relations during the post-war reconstruction.

     She has received numerous awards for public service and is the youngest person ever to be inducted in the Alabama Hall of Honor.

     Ms. Tutwiler grew up in Birmingham and graduated from The University of Alabama.  She told The Birmingham News that she is reminded of home at her diplomatic post, because Moroccans are like Southerners.

     “They are very family oriented, gracious people who invite you into their homes. Manners are important there.”

     Ms. Tutwiler’s manners, command of the language, and passion for public service have made her an indispensable government servant.

     President George H.W. Bush put it best when he said, “When I was president her service at the State Department with Secretary Baker had no limits. She was wonderful. She's been an outstanding ambassador in Morocco. She’s been strong and represented our country with honor in tough times.”