In the fall of 1992, my wife, Ingrid, and I had returned from an ambassadorial stint in the Marshall Islands, and I was working as a Senior Advisor in the Bureau of Oceans, International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES).

One day, Lynn Pascoe, an old friend and the Principal Deputy of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, called up and asked, “How would you like to go to Singapore for a year?” Lynn explained that the Asia–Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) forum was going to establish a permanent Secretariat in Singapore, and that an American would be the first Executive Director. Lynn and his boss, Bill Clark, wanted to ensure that the Executive Director built a strong, small and efficient staff. My experience as an Ambassador and as Consul General of the largest consulate in the world (Frankfurt, with 600 employees) convinced them that I had the qualifications they wanted.

Although the prospect of leaving again just six months after my return to the United States was daunting, I could not help but be intrigued (and flattered) by Lynn's offer. After a sleepless night and a long, soul-searching conversation with Ingrid, I told Lynn I was interested. Lynn then suggested that I speak with Bill Clark and Deputy Assistant Secretary Sandy Kristoff. I did not know Sandy, but she had been involved in APEC from the beginning, serving in the office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) before coming to the State Department. She probably knew more about APEC than anyone else in the U.S. Government. Speaking to Bill, it was clear that he was very keen for me to go to Singapore to set up the Secretariat and would give me full support. I also interviewed with Deputy Under-Secretary for Economic Affairs Bob Fauver, who was Sandy's mentor and who followed APEC closely. I think the interview went well, but everything was put on hold until after the U.S. presidential election, which was then only weeks away.