The role of the U.S. permanent representative to NATO is to advance U.S. foreign policy interests within NATO. Reporting to the secretary of state, the permanent representative helps formulate and articulate the U.S. position on NATO security matters as well as U.S. policy toward NATO. At National Security Council (NSC) meetings, they outline U.S. policy toward NATO and potential opportunities for cooperation with NATO allies. They further advise NSC participants on the positions and actions of other NATO member states.

The U.S. permanent representative to NATO’s goals are to

-advise the president and secretary of state on U.S. policy toward NATO the military or diplomatic actions the United States can or should take with NATO member states or the alliance as a whole; and
-promote the United States’ interests and values within NATO.