SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – President Donald Trump has tabbed former Illinois State Sen. Kyle McCarter as ambassador to Kenya.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports the U.S. Senate approved the choice in a voice vote this week.

The Republican from Lebanon, Illinois, was one of 23 people confirmed to ambassador posts in the vote.

The 56-year-old McCarter and his wife, Victoria, have worked in Kenya for more than 30 years and co-founded Each 1 Feed 1 . The Tharaka Nithi-based charity helps abandoned, abused and orphaned children and provides education and medical care.

McCarter was elected to the Illinois Senate in 2008. He chose not to seek re-election last fall. He previously served on the St. Clair County Board.