East Grand Rapids native nominated as ambassador to Ukraine


EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — President Joe Biden has nominated an East Grand Rapids native to serve as ambassador to Ukraine.

Bridget Brink, who speaks Russian and knows several other languages, is a career diplomat who became ambassador to Slovakia in 2019. She was nominated for that position by former President Donald Trump.

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Welch attended East Grand Rapids High School with Brink. Brink was one grade ahead of her, graduating in 1987.

“I think a lot of people locally don’t realize that we have this State Department employee, a rock star, in our midst, so I’m excited for her,” Welch said.

Welch said he’s not surprised that Brink has achieved such success in his career.

“We were on the swim team together. She was a great girl. She always very, very busy and very, very bright. So we basically met through the swim team and she lived near me as well,” Welch said.

Brink has spent decades in his career with the US Foreign Service, working in many Eastern European countries.

“I think Bridget is an example of a true public servant; these people who are doing their jobs out of the spotlight, and of course a lot of us don’t realize what an incredibly important job they’re doing,” Welch said.

The nomination must be approved by the US Senate before Brink can officially assume the new role.

“I think he will do very well in this new job even though it is incredibly challenging,” Welch said. “She is up to the task.”

Welch said she and others in her hometown are rooting for Brink’s success.

“People are going to support her with great enthusiasm. We are cheering her on from abroad,” Welch said. “I am so proud of her. She is a perfect example of the great products our local public schools can produce and she is a shining star.”




Reference-www.woodtv.com

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