WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) today announced Michelle Bekkering as National Engagement Director, leading the Coalition’s strategic outreach to stakeholders across the country and building alliances in support of America’s global engagement and investments in diplomacy and development. Bekkering, who previously served as USAID’s Assistant Administrator for Development, Democracy, and Innovation, will assume the role on June 1.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michelle to the USGLC team – she has an impeccable track record in global development with the policy chops and political acumen that has led to game-changing impact in tackling some of the world’s toughest development challenges,” said USGLC President and CEO, Liz Schrayer. “I have seen Michelle lead transformational efforts, through innovative initiatives like W-GDP and the BUILD Act, because she understands how America’s global engagement directly affects our health, safety, and prosperity at home, often sighting her Iowa upbringing as the foundation for her convictions. The global stakes couldn’t be higher for Americans right now and Michelle’s drive, passion, and experience will be a huge asset to our coalition’s efforts in the months and years ahead.”

“I’ve seen firsthand the value of America’s investments in the developing world, from the human impact on women and children to the multiplier effect on economic growth, stability and security that affect U.S. interests at home and abroad,” Michelle Bekkering said. “My time in the administration underscored the incredible generosity of the American people across the country – from farmers, small business and local elected officials to faith leaders, non-profit organizations and universities– because in our interconnected world what happens overseas absolutely matters to America. We all are impacted by increasingly complex global challenges, and we all benefit from our investments in addressing these challenges, so I’m honored to join this incredible nationwide coalition to continue building critical support and momentum for the proven diplomacy and development tools that support our interests and help build a better, safer world.”

Bekkering has held several government positions in addition to her leadership role at USAID. She worked in the European and Eurasian Affairs Directorate of the National Security Council under President George W. Bush and on Capitol Hill as an aide to Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (CA-46). Bekkering spent more than a decade leading global democracy, rights and governance programs at the International Republican Institute (IRI), including Director for Global Initiatives and Senior Gender Advisor and as Resident Country Director based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Throughout her career, she has served as a trainer, speaker and accredited election observer on five continents. She is a native of Iowa and a graduate of Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa.