Farewell

January 31, 2010

Friends:

On Friday, MCC CEO Daniel Yohannes announced my appointment as the Corporation’s Vice President of Policy and International Relations.  I am both honored and excited to assume that position on Monday and work with the CEO and the immensely capable staff of the MCC on an exciting set of issues aimed at enhancing the organization’s effectiveness.  It is, of course, a bittersweet moment for me.  I have also been hugely honored to be a part of CGD and given the space and support to think, write and build a program that I hope has helped people better navigate U.S. foreign aid  issues and helped foreign aid agencies stay true to their missions.

I want to especially thank you all for your thoughtful comments, both online and off-line.  They have both informed my analysis and inspired me personally.  It is much of what has made this job so much fun.  The Rethinking U.S. Foreign Assistance Program and blog will continue, with posts and analysis from CGD senior staff.  And before you know it, there will be a new Director you will know and love and soon be saying, “Sheila who?” 

Thanks again to all of you for your attention and support through the years.  I trust our paths will cross again and that I will benefit, on “the other side,”  from your continued monitoring of the MCC!

–Sheila

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1. Nancy Birdsall Says:
   January 31st, 2010 at 8:00 am

   All of us at CGD will miss Sheila’s remarkable combination of analytic intelligence and pizzazz. She made constructive criticism of the policies and practices at the Millennium Challenge Corporation — and those of the entire foreign assistance community– into something more than the usual dull but worthwhile enterprise. She made it into an art: fun to read, thought-provoking in the best sense, not just smart but savvy.

   But with the USAID Administrator diverted from the monumental task of rebuilding USAID by his responsibilities on Haiti (the word on the street is that he is doing a remarkable job), we at CGD need to stay on the case . . . of independent research and practical ideas for the Obama Administration. Watch here for an assessment later this year of the Herrling and Radelet reform program published in late 2008 and before that of the foreign aid numbers in the Administration’s new 2011 budget.

2. Sandra Says:
   January 31st, 2010 at 10:03 pm

   Dera Sheila,

   Congratulation for your new position, I am sure your expertise will benefit the continued work in MCC. I am working with the gov of Dominican Republic since 2006 and I have spent my last 4 year in your 17 indicators reforms…. now I am MCA indicator especialty!!
   Your new team, Sherry and Brad will be very happy to have the oportunity to work with you. Personnally, I will miss your continue analysis. the best for you and Steve Radelet, Who also get into the gov. Regards, Sandra

3. MG Says:
   February 1st, 2010 at 2:09 pm

   Congrats Sheila. You will be a great addition to the MCC team. Good luck!

4. Danielle Ellingston Says:
   February 1st, 2010 at 5:31 pm

   Congratulations Sheila! I’ve enjoyed reading your insights- you are leaving some big shoes to fill.

5. Adna Karamehic-Oates Says:
   February 2nd, 2010 at 3:27 pm

   Congratulations Sheila!

6. Jim Kunder Says:
   February 5th, 2010 at 10:45 pm

   CGD’s significant loss will be a gain for the MCC, for the broader development community, and for the people of the developing world. Very best wishes for a successful tour at the MCC.

7. Kate Vyborny Says:
   February 17th, 2010 at 9:06 pm

   Congratulations Sheila – that’s fantastic news! Wishing you all the best in your new role!

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