January 13, 2021

USGLC CEO Statement on Nomination of Samantha Power to Lead USAID

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) President and CEO, Liz Schrayer, released the following statement on President-elect Biden’s nomination of Ambassador Samantha Power to lead the U.S. Agency for International Development:

Ambassador Power is an exceptional and inspired choice to lead USAID at a time when our nation’s global development tools have never been more capable of delivering results for the American people or more important to tackling the most serious global challenges – from the COVID-19 pandemic to famine, conflict, and rising humanitarian crises.

With deep experience driving our nation’s humanitarian efforts around the world, Ambassador Power has the intellect, passion, and experience to lead the talented women and men at USAID. She will find a wealth of partners ready to help her succeed – from strong bipartisan support on Capitol Hill to the wide array of actors in the private sector and NGO community to relationships with world leaders forged during her service at the United Nations.

Of particular significance is President-elect Biden’s decision to elevate the USAID Administrator as a formal member of the National Security Committee. This is a big deal and sends a strong signal that development belongs at the decision-making table, alongside defense and diplomacy.

We congratulate Ambassador Power on this important nomination and, if confirmed, look forward to working with her to ensure development resources continue to pay huge dividends for America.

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 500 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic, military, and community leaders in all 50 states who support strategic investments to elevate development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.