John A. Heffern joined the Foreign Service in 1982. Currently a member of the Senior Foreign Service, John has focused most of his career on East Asia, with postings in Malaysia, Japan and China. His most recent Washington position was as the Executive Assistant to the Under Secretary for Political Affairs.  He is currently serving as Deputy Chief of Mission in Jakarta, Indonesia.  

Previous Assignments: 

2005-2006:    Executive Assistant to Under Secretary for Political Affairs 

2004-2005:    Human Resources Bureau, Washington 

1999-2004:    U.S. Mission to NATO: Political Counselor

1996-1999:    Embassy Tokyo: Deputy Political Counselor. 

1994-1996:    House International Relations Committee, Pearson Fellow for
                      Congressman Bereuter. 

1993-1994:    East Asia Bureau: Malaysia and Indonesia Desk Officer. 

1991-1993:    Political Military Bureau. Southeast Asia Action Officer. 

1988-1991:    Embassy Kuala Lumpur, Political Officer. 

1982-1988:    Entry level positions in China, Taiwan and Cote d’Ivoire. 

Personal Information:

Married to Libby Dowling Heffern, with five children, ages 17-25. 
Native of St. Louis, Missouri 
Graduate of Michigan State University