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The United States' new ambassador-designate to Cyprus, John Breslow, arrived on the island on Friday and is expected to formally present his credentials to President Nikos Christodoulides in the coming days.
The U.S. Embassy in Cyprus announced Breslow's arrival in a Facebook post, saying he looked forward to beginning his diplomatic duties in the country.
Breslow arrives in Cyprus with an unusually varied background that spans business, politics, professional sports, philanthropy and aviation.
A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, the 77-year-old businessman previously served two terms as Nebraska's state auditor, from 1991 to 1999. He was originally elected as a Democrat but switched to the Republican Party in 1994, citing his belief in "smaller, more efficient government."
He later sought the Republican nomination for governor of Nebraska in 1998 but was unsuccessful.
In business, Breslow was the owner and chairman of Linweld Inc., a major manufacturer and distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases and welding supplies. He later sold the Nebraska-based company.
His interests also extend into professional sports. Breslow is a minority owner of the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League and the Bournemouth Cherries of England's Premier League. He also serves as an alternate governor on the NHL's Board of Governors.
Breslow was nominated to the Cyprus post by President Donald Trump after helping raise $250,000 for Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, according to biographical information provided about his political career.
His nomination was considered by the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, which cited his experience in business management, politics and philanthropy in describing him as qualified for the ambassadorial post.
Outside politics and business, Breslow has been involved with several charitable and civic organizations, including the Madonna Foundation, the YMCA of Lincoln and EMT Corp.
He is also an experienced pilot, with 48 years of flying experience. His Senate nomination report notes that he has flown a Cessna CJ3 as a single pilot and received the Gold Standard Safety Award through the Citation Jet Pilots Association.
Breslow holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He and his wife, Sonia Polonski, have three children.
His arrival comes after a period in which the position of U.S. ambassador to Cyprus was held by Julie D. Fisher. Breslow will formally assume his diplomatic role once he presents his credentials to President Christodoulides.
With information from the U.S. Department of State and Wikipedia.
