Eric Rigby is a retired United States Foreign Service Officer whose extraordinary 35-year diplomatic career with the U.S. Department of State was defined by global impact, technological leadership, and unwavering dedication to public service. From Geneva to Baghdad, and Tel Aviv to Pretoria, Eric’s work behind the scenes helped power the information and communication networks that underpin U.S. diplomacy.

Throughout his tenure as an Information Resource Management (IRM) Manager, Eric led complex IT operations at American embassies and consulates across the world, ensuring secure, reliable communication and information systems in some of the most politically and technologically challenging environments. His career began in 1986 as an Intensive Program Trainee in Washington, D.C., where he built a foundation in foreign policy, cross-cultural fluency, and secure communications. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming an integral part of the IRM leadership in posts spanning four continents.

Eric’s international assignments are a testament to both his technical expertise and his diplomatic finesse. He served multiple tours in Geneva at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, managed IRM operations in conflict zones such as Baghdad and Sana’a, and brought his leadership to prestigious missions in Paris, Rome, and Tel Aviv. In each role, he modernized embassy infrastructure, safeguarded sensitive data, and built high-performing local and expatriate teams. His long-term strategic planning, operational execution, and crisis management skills became hallmarks of his legacy.

Notably, Eric held corporate management roles in Washington, D.C., twice—first from 2000 to 2002 and again in 2011–2012—where he contributed to the Department of State’s broader IRM strategy, applying his field experience to shape policies at the national level. These roles placed him at the intersection of diplomacy and innovation, reinforcing his reputation as a forward-thinking leader within the department.

Eric’s career also reflects a profound adaptability and cultural fluency, having lived and worked in diverse regions such as South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Israel, France, Italy, Yemen, and Iraq. His ability to thrive in high-stakes international environments earned him the trust of both diplomatic peers and technical professionals.

Before entering the Foreign Service, Eric earned a Master of Arts in International Policy Studies from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, following a Bachelor of Arts in History from Utah State University. These academic foundations provided him with a deep understanding of global affairs, governance, and the historical contexts of his assignments.

Now based in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, Eric remains a respected figure in international affairs and government IT circles. His career exemplifies the vital but often unseen infrastructure that supports American diplomacy worldwide. Whether managing embassy networks during times of war or developing policy from headquarters, Eric Rigby’s legacy is one of integrity, service, and global leadership.

Character
Eric Rigby is a steadfast and principled leader whose 35-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service reflects a deep commitment to public service, resilience under pressure, and an unwavering dedication to mission success in some of the world’s most complex diplomatic environments.

Knowledge
With advanced degrees in international policy and history and decades of experience managing global information systems, Eric possesses a rare blend of technical expertise and geopolitical insight that enabled him to support U.S. diplomatic operations with precision and foresight.

Strategic
Eric consistently demonstrated strategic vision by aligning embassy IT infrastructure with broader U.S. foreign policy goals, streamlining operations, and proactively managing risk across high-stakes assignments in Washington, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Communication
A trusted communicator across cultures and disciplines, Eric fostered collaboration among multinational teams, navigated sensitive interagency discussions, and ensured mission-critical information flowed securely and efficiently in support of U.S. interests abroad.