H. E. Nicole McGraw, Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Croatia, with residence in Zagreb, presented her credentials to the President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović. The United States Ambassador was accompanied by her family members – her husband, Michael McGraw, and daughter, Elizabeth Merrill – as well as the Deputy Chief of Mission and First Secretary of the Embassy, Lauren Perlaza, and the United States Defense Attaché, Colonel Scott McLearn.
Alongside President Milanović were the Head of the Cabinet of the President of the Republic, Bartol Šimunić; the Director-General of the Directorate-General for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Tomislav Lendić; and the Assistant Adviser to the President of the Republic for Foreign and European Policy, Ivan Mutavdžić.
“I am honored to represent the United States in Croatia, a valued ally and friend,” said Ambassador McGraw. “Under President Trump’s leadership, I look forward to working with Croatian leaders and citizens to strengthen our shared security as NATO allies, advance energy security in the region, and foster economic growth in both our countries. I am thrilled to join the excellent team at our Embassy in Zagreb and look forward to deepening the friendship between the United States and Croatia,” said McGraw.
Ambassador McGraw is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and leader in international collaboration at the intersection of art, technology, and business. Prior to her appointment, she served as President of Nicole Henry Fine Arts Consulting, Inc., where she led an internationally recognized art gallery and became one of the first American gallerists to collect and exhibit Cuban art. This experience sparked her passion for bridging cultural divides through creative initiatives. She later served as CEO of Jupiter NFT Group, pioneering the integration of digital art and blockchain technology and transforming how collectors and artists engage in global markets.
Committed to public service, Ambassador McGraw founded CANVAS Art Charities, a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing urban spaces through large-scale, data-driven public art projects that enhance property values, tourism, and local business growth. She also served on the Leadership Advisory Council for Place of Hope, supporting vulnerable children and helping raise millions of dollars for charitable causes.
Ambassador McGraw holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art History and Studio Art from Southern Methodist University and is pursuing a Public Leadership Credential at the Harvard Kennedy School. She received the 2018 Muse Award for Outstanding Public Art for her work through CANVAS.
With a unique ability to merge business, cultural exchange, and technology, Ambassador McGraw brings an innovative approach to advancing American interests in Croatia. Drawing on her experience, she will serve as President Trump’s representative to further strengthen U.S.–Croatia cooperation in defense, energy security, and the promotion of economic growth.
Source: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia and U.S. Embassy Zagreb