Former US ambassador to Canada
David H. Wilkins Ambassador David Wilkins is a partner at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP and chairs the public policy and international law practice group with a special focus on US-Canada interests.
He proudly served as U.S. ambassador to Canada from June 2005 to January 2009, appointed by President George W. Bush. Since returning home from Canada, Wilkins spent six years chairing the Clemson University Board of Trustees and is now a trustee emeritus member of that board.
Throughout his career, he has served on numerous corporate and civic boards and currently serves on the board of United Community Bank. In 2010, then South Carolina Governor-elect Nikki Haley tapped Wilkins to chair her government transition team.
First elected in 1980, Wilkins served 25 years in the South Carolina House of Representatives. He was elected speaker in 1994 – a position he held for 11 years until he resigned for his ambassadorship post.
He is the recipient of numerous awards including the state’s highest honor, the Order of the Palmetto.
David is married to Susan Wilkins and they have two grown sons and grandchildren.