Dean J. Brian Atwood Elected Development Assistance Committee Chair

 

The Humphrey School announced today that Dean J. Brian Atwood was unanimously elected, to the position of Development Assistance Committee (DAC) chair on October 29. The DAC is a permanent forum of the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) that coordinates international development policy. Earlier this fall, Atwood was nominated for this position by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

“While I’m disappointed to leave the college at such an exciting time, international diplomacy and development have been my life’s work, and I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute again,” says Atwood. “The University has generously granted me a leave of absence, and I look forward to returning to the Humphrey School in a few years to bring my experiences back into the classroom.”

The DAC chair serves as the official representative of development stakeholders from the 24 DAC member nations, who collectively contribute more than$120 billion per year in official development assistance. The chair also presides over high-level meetings where long-term development strategies and policies are created. The organization plays a central and unique role in engaging with non-DAC and non-OECD members on salient policy issues related to development cooperation. The DAC chair is an elected position chosen by the DAC member states.

Dean of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs since 2002, Atwood has had a distinguished career in public service, having served as USAID Administrator from 1993 to 1999, Under Secretary of state for Management in 1993, and Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs from 1978 to 1980. He also was founding president of the National Democratic Institute of International Affairs (NDI) (1985 to 1993).

“Since its formation, the DAC has proven an effective forum for aligning U.S. development goals with those of other donors and for holding donors accountable for the assistance they provide to developing countries,” said USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah.

“The U.S. government’s nomination of Mr. Atwood reflects this Administration’s desire to elevate the development mission and to engage the DAC partners in efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals,” wrote Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in her letter of nomination. “He is a personal friend and a consummate professional who will serve in this position with distinction.”

An interim dean for the Institute will be announced in the coming weeks.