Ambassador Cheryl Miles has crafted an enviable career in diplomacy, the only job she did for some 37 years; after nine years away, she is back full circle as head of mission in Venezuela, where she first served as ambassador 30-odd years ago, still with a lot to offer.
Ambassador Miles entered the foreign service at the age of 25 and left at age 62, so there is no disputing her long career; it therefore came as no surprise—even to her—that when she was called upon in 2015 to return some asked incredulously why she wanted to leave retirement for the world of work. Her simple explanation was that both of her parents had been very active and lucid up to their deaths—they both died in their 90s—and she believes she has more to contribute.
She is now 71, and at this point it is not about how much longer she will remain
