The Deputy Chief of Mission of the US in Athens Kate Marie Byrnes is to replace Jess Baily on the position of US Ambassador to Macedonia by the end of 2018, daily newspaper Vecer reports. Citing sources from within the US Embassy in Skopje, Vecer reports that Baily’s mandate as ambassador is to run out by the end of 2018. Baily played a crucial role in many processes important for the development of Macedonia both politically and economically. Byrnes has a 24-year long diplomatic career, including diplomatic position in the US Department of State, as well as US missions in Austria, Belgium, Afghanistan, Greece and other countries.