Presel joined the Foreign Service in 1963 and has specialized in Russian, multilateral diplomacy, and political military affairs.

He has served in Turkey, France, Moscow, Belgrade (as Deputy Chief of Mission), and twice in the U.S. Arms Control Delegation in Vienna, the second time as Deputy U.S. Representative.

His Washington service includes two assignments to the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, service in the European, Politico-Military, International Organizations and INR bureaus, as well as several assignments in the offices of Department of State principals.

The President nominated Presel, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Joseph Presel was appointed to this post on November 10, 1997, and presented his credentials to President Islam Karimov on December 3, 1997.