Melinda Hildebrand arrived in Costa Rica on Monday to begin her service as the United States’ ambassador, serving as President Donald Trump’s personal representative to the country, the U.S. Embassy announced.

In February 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Hildebrand to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to Costa Rica.

Hildebrand, who was confirmed following a hearing before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Sept. 3, 2025, pledged during that process to work closely with Costa Rica with “energy, discipline and commitment,” according to the embassy.

According to the Embassy, she has reiterated that resolve since arriving in the country, with a focus on strengthening bilateral ties and advancing U.S. interests.

 

“Costa Rica is a reliable democratic partner in a region facing challenges such as transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, cybersecurity threats, illegal immigration and Chinese economic influence,” Hildebrand said in a statement.


The embassy said a central priority of Hildebrand’s tenure will be the safety and well-being of U.S. citizens in Costa Rica, including an estimated 160,000 Americans who reside in the country and more than 1.5 million who visit each year.


Hildebrand brings experience in philanthropy, business and public service. She previously served as president of the Hildebrand Foundation, which awarded more than $390 million in grants supporting higher education, medical services, parks, addiction-related initiatives and assistance for victims of sex trafficking, particularly in the Houston area.


She has served on the boards of institutions including MD Anderson Cancer Center, the University of Texas at Austin and the Houston Parks Board. Her work with the Alliance to End Addiction focused on prevention and education programs addressing addiction, particularly among young people.

For 36 years, Hildebrand volunteered with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Committee, where she worked with international visitors and promoted American businesses. A business owner for over 12 years, she has also helped create several companies that employ more than 6,000 Americans.

According to the embassy, her international volunteer work has included service in Costa Rica and Mexico, where she assisted in building homes for families in need.

Hildebrand has spoken publicly about the role of her Catholic faith and the influence of her late father, an ordained Catholic deacon, on her commitment to service. She has been married to her husband, Jeff Hildebrand, for 36 years and has three children.

She will formally assume her duties as U.S. ambassador to Costa Rica after presenting her credentials on Jan. 8.