U.S. President George W. Bush has nominated Catherine Todd Bailey of Kentucky to be the next American ambassador to Latvia. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, she would replace Brian E. Carlson, who has served as the ambassador since 2001.

Bailey is not a career diplomat, but has been a strong supporter of the Bush Administration, according to press reports. She is a national committeewoman for the Republican Party in Kentucky, according to the Republican National Committee. She and her husband, Irving Bailey of the venture capital firm Chrysalis Ventures, are top donors to the Bush campaign for reelection.

Bailey also is founder and president of Operation Open Arms, a charity that cares for children of incarcerated mothers.

The White House announced Bailey’s nomination on Sept. 8.