Insights
From Acting
Administrator
Alonzo Fulgham
FrontLines - February 2009
I am pleased and honored to have the opportunity to serve as Acting USAID Administrator during this historic transition period. As the Agency’s chief operating officer since August 2006, I am familiar with the “front office” demands we place on all our operating
units. However, having also headed the USAID mission in Afghanistan and served at USAID missions in Serbia, Georgia, Jordan, and Swaziland, I have a strong empathy and appreciation for the work carried out by our people in the field. As for next steps, as many of you know, I have followed the Boston Red Sox for years and I can’t help but evoke a baseball metaphor: While I’m thrilled to make an appearance, like all short relief pitchers, I don’t expect to pitch very many innings.
The transition from one administration to another provides an important opportunity for USAID personnel to demonstrate their commitment, leadership, and professionalism. Already, the transition documents and briefings that we prepared following the November elections have won high marks.
I was pleased to have the opportunity to brief Secretary of State Clinton on our programs and on the ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand our Agency. The warm welcome given to the new secretary
on her visit to the Ronald Reagan Building—only her second day on the job—provided another opportunity to reinforce these themes.
Many of us were encouraged by the message she conveyed. “I believe in development,” she said. “I believe with all my heart that it truly is an equal partner along with defense and diplomacy in the furtherance of America’s national security.”
These are unique times and we have important work to do during this transition period, even as we anticipate the arrival of our new senior leadership. We will also have much to do as the Senate confirmation
hearings unfold.
The transition notwithstanding, the demands of our work rarely respect bureaucratic deadlines. Unexpected disasters, both human and man-made, will continue to occur. Our assistance—including alleviating suffering, feeding the hungry, advancing democracy and good governance, preventing and treating disease, and supporting economic growth—is as essential as ever. And, as we serve and partner
with those in need, we have launched new efforts to renew USAID and ensure that we have the resources and staffing levels needed to achieve our shared mission.
These are exciting times for development as well as for USAID. Thank you for all that you do on behalf of our Agency. I am grateful for the opportunity to share in that mission and I look forward to our work together in the days ahead.
★
FrontLines is published
by the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs
U.S. Agency for International Development
To have FrontLines delivered
to you via postal mail, please subscribe.
Material should be submitted
by mail to Editor, FrontLines, USAID,
RRB, Suite 6.10, Washington, DC 20523-6100;
by FAX to 202-216-3035; or by e-mail to frontlines@usaid.gov
To view PDF files, download
the Adobe
Acrobat Reader.
Back to Top ^
|
