Polt assumed his position as a Senior Director of the McCain Institute for International Leadership on October 1, 2012, after concluding his 35-year diplomatic career and following his last assignment as the U.S. ambassador to Estonia in late 2009.

He has also served as Senior Advisor to the Director General of the Foreign Service for Management Reform and was a key member of the Senior Management Steering Board directing the State Department's 2003 to 2005 multi-million dollar reinvention of its Diplomatic Communications System.

Polt has held other senior positions in the Department of State, as Deputy Director for European Security and Arms Control issues, and in Panama City as Political Counselor of the U.S. Embassy during the time leading up to the U.S. military action against the Noriega regime in 1989.

During his earlier career, Polt was assigned to Embassies in Bonn, Mexico City, and Copenhagen, as well as the U.S. Consulate in Bremen, Germany.

The Polts enjoy sailing and skiing for relaxation and a good cup of coffee with time to savor it.