Queen Elizabeth II awards honour to Atlanta resident
Claire Newman, Vice Consul for Consular at the British Consulate General in Atlanta was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire.
Claire Newman, Vice Consul for Consular at the British Consulate General in Atlanta
“For services to furthering British consular interests and to the British community in south eastern USA,” Claire Newman, the British Consulate General in Atlanta’s Vice Consul for Consular, was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours lists. Awards are made twice per year, and Claire was the only person in the United States to receive an MBE as part of this announcement.
As part of her more than 20 years of service to the consulate, Claire has helped countless British nationals through times of personal strife. In addition, her support of the UK extends far beyond professional responsibilities. For example, she has taken on leadership roles within Atlanta’s British American Business Group (most recently as board president) and as a regular speaker and supporter of organisations promoting British heritage. She is also a regional expert on emergency management and security.
“Claire has done a tremendous job with her consular responsibilities and as a volunteer through the British American Business Group in Atlanta,” said Sir Peter Westmacott, British Ambassador to the United States. “Many businesses have learned why Britain is a great place to do business because of Claire’s efforts.”
An MBE is awarded for a significant achievement, outstanding service to the community, or for local ‘hands-on’ service which stands out as an example to other people. Across the globe, 501 individuals received an MBE as part of this most recent Queen’s Birthday Honours lists. Other individuals receiving an MBE include the actor/director/playwright David Haig Collum Ward; comedian Robert Brydon; singer/broadcaster Aled Jones; and singer/songwriter Adele Adkins.