Youngstown native to replace Holbrooke

The State Department has appointed Frank Ruggiero, a Youngstown native and 1982 Ursuline High School graduate, as the acting U.S. special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Ruggiero succeeds Richard Holbrooke, special envoy to the two countries, who died Monday from complications from a torn aorta. Ruggiero was promoted Tuesday.

Ruggiero was named Holbrooke’s top deputy — specifically called senior deputy special representative and deputy assistant secretary for Afghanistan and Pakistan — in July.

His responsibilities included helping Holbrooke develop the United States’ policy for those two countries.

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com