Published on Friday, February 7, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff and wire services

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated billionaire businesswoman and philanthropist Melinda Hildebrand of Houston, Texas, to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to Costa Rica. 

"I am pleased to announce that Melinda Hildebrand will serve as the next United States Ambassador to Costa Rica," Trump wrote Thursday on Truth Social. "Melinda is an incredibly successful businesswoman and philanthropist, who serves as the Vice Chair of the Hildebrand Foundation and Vice President of Hilcorp Ventures Inc. She is also the president and owner of River Oaks Donuts. She will fight tirelessly to protect America’s interests abroad, especially in trade and immigration."

Following the announcement, Hildebrand expressed gratitude for the nomination. "I am honored to be nominated by President Trump to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica,” she told PaperCity, a magazine based in Huston, TX. “I look forward to engaging with the Senate throughout the confirmation process.”

Her nomination is expected to be submitted to the U.S. Senate in the coming days. Hearings on her nomination will be held before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. If confirmed, she will present her credentials to Costa Rican Foreign Minister Arnoldo André and President Rodrigo Chaves-Robles. 

Melinda and her husband, Jeff Hildebrand, are well-known philanthropists and billionaires listed among Forbes’ wealthiest Americans.

Recently, they donated $20 million to the University of Texas McCombs School of Business to establish the Hildebrand MBA program, which aims to expand scholarship opportunities and leadership training for students. 

The Hildebrands also own Hilcorp Energy, a private oil and gas exploration company based in Texas, the River Oaks Donuts in Houston and their Hildebrand Foundation.

Hildebrand’s nomination comes as outgoing U.S. Ambassador Dr. Cynthia A. Telles steps down from her post. Her departure follows the customary transition in diplomatic roles ahead of Trump’s upcoming inauguration. 

----------------
What will be the biggest challenge for the new U.S. ambassador to Costa Rica?   We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com