Washington, DC -- Tufts alum Richard Boucher, is the new State Department spokesman, according to a recent article in the Washington Post. Boucher is no stranger to the post -- he held the position once before, between 1989 and 1993, before serving as the ambassador to Cyprus.

   The Tufts graduate has amassed an impressive 23-year career in foreign service – working in the Peace Corps, serving as a consular officer in the Chinese city of Guangdong and consul general in Hong Kong during the return of the territory to Chinese control.

   According to the Washington Post, Boucher's extensive experience will be a valuable asset. White House spokesperson Mike McCurry agrees. After all, it was Boucher who taught him how to give press briefings. Boucher was a significant role model, added McCurry, who took over after Boucher left the State Department in 1993.

   Boucher told the Washington Post that the job has changed since he last held the position. "Now, the issues are a little more complicated and making the connections of people's lives requires more of an activist approach," he said.

Online: http://www.tufts.edu/communications/printable/050100StateDepartmentSpokesperson