The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the Department of State’s security and law enforcement arm. As Assistant Secretary, Ambassador Taylor oversees Department of State security programs to protect U.S. Government employees and facilities under chief of mission authority overseas from terrorist, criminal or technical attack, and ensure the integrity of classified national security information produced and stored in these facilities. Ambassador Taylor leads more than 3,000 dedicated U.S., foreign national, and contract employees who provide security and law enforcement services to more than 260 U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, as well as to Department of State personnel and facilities in the United States. The Ambassador directs the law enforcement function of the Bureau, wherein Diplomatic Security Service special agents protect the Secretary of State and foreign dignitaries who visit the United States. These special agents conduct passport and visa fraud investigations, which are critical in the protection of our nation’s borders.

As Director of the Office of Foreign Missions, Ambassador Taylor ensures the equitable treatment of U.S. diplomatic and consular missions abroad and their personnel through the use of reciprocity. He regulates the activities of foreign missions in the United States to protect the foreign policy and national security interests of the United States and the American public from abuses of privileges and immunities by diplomatic and consular officials. The Ambassador provides service and assistance to the foreign mission community in the United States to assure appropriate privileges, benefits, and services.

Prior to his appointment as Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security, Ambassador Taylor served as the State Department’s Coordinator for Counterterrorism (July 2001-November 2002). As the Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Ambassador Taylor was responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing American counterterrorism policy and coordinating all U.S. Government efforts to improve counterterrorism cooperation with foreign governments.

During his 31 years of military service, Ambassador Taylor served with distinction in numerous command and staff positions, rising to the rank of Brigadier General in September 1996. Prior to his appointment to the Department of State, Ambassador Taylor headed the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, where he was responsible for providing all Air Force commanders independent professional investigative services in fraud, counterintelligence, and major criminal matters.

From August 1995 to July 1996, General Taylor was Director of Special Investigations in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force Inspector General. He served as Director of Mission Guidance in the Office of Special Investigations at Bolling Air Force Base from August 1994 to August 1995. From July 1990 to July 1994, he led two Air Force Offices of Special Investigations both at higher headquarters and overseas bases, and from July 1988 to July 1990, he was Deputy Commander of 487th Combat Support Group. He retired from active duty on July 1, 2001.

Ambassador Taylor has received numerous awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit.