Kirsten Hillman — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

First woman to serve as Canadian Ambassador to the United States.
Appointed Ambassador of Canada to the United States on March 26, 2020.
Served as chief negotiator for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Played a central role in 2018 negotiations for a replacement to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Named one of Washington’s most powerful women by the Washingtonian in 2021, 2023, and 2025.
Holds civil and common law degrees from McGill University.

Biography

Kirsten Hillman is a Canadian lawyer and diplomat currently serving as the Ambassador of Canada to the United States. Appointed on March 26, 2020, she made history as the first woman to hold this significant diplomatic post. In December 2025, Hillman announced her intention to step down from her role as ambassador in the new year, with Mark Wiseman announced as her successor.

Prior to her ambassadorship, Hillman had a distinguished career in law and government.