USAID Needs a Leader

by Alanna Shaikh · 2009-08-06 10:29:00 UTC
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(USAID is supporting education and safe play spaces for these kids. Photo credit: Sarvodaya.org)

USAID needs a leader, and they need it fast. An acting administrator  just doesn't have the stature to guide the agency at a time of huge change for US foreign assistance. I've written a letter to President Obama, asking him to appoint an administrator as soon as possible. Please, go sign the letter right now and send it. Here's the link.

Here's my letter:

Dear President Obama,

US foreign assurance is important. Our global efforts support peace, stability, and accountability in the developing world. USAID and the other foreign assistance agencies support programs that fight famine, save children's lives, and slow the impact of HIV/AIDS.  This is work that matters, and it is work that's hard to do well. It will not succeed without leadership. PEPFAR has a strong leader in Dr. Eric Goosby, but USAID remains leaderless.

We need a USAID administrator. The agency is facing a huge set of challenges as it adapts to the new nature of foreign assistance. It needs to determine its proper role in assistance to Afghanistan and Iraq. Finally, congress is working to change the legislation that structures our foreign aid, and USAID will need to adapt to its new role.

USAID needs a leader of stature to represent the agency's interests within the US government, with other international donors, and with the American public. An acting administrator, however skilled,  cannot  guide USAID through the challenges ahead.

America's role in the world is affected by our ability to provide help to those in need, and USAID play an enormous part in that effort. The agency needs a leader, and it needs one soon.

Sincerely,

Alanna Shaikh

Now, please, go send a letter yourself.

Alanna Shaikh
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