U.S. Chamber Pledges to Work with New Leadership at U.S. Agency for International Development

Business Welcomes Emphasis on Innovative Development Strategies

WASHINGTON, D.C.–-The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its affiliate, the Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC), welcomed the recent swearing in of Dr. Rajiv Shah as Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

"We welcome a knowledgeable, innovative, and capable leader like Dr. Shah to lead the agency," said Myron Brilliant, senior vice president for International Affairs at the U.S. Chamber. "His leadership at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture makes him an excellent choice to serve as one the nation's leading international economic advisers."

"USAID is truly a leader amongst international development agencies in establishing partnerships with the private sector." Brilliant said. "The Chamber looks forward to working with Dr. Shah and his team to help advance the role of the private sector in international economic development."

"We are very pleased about the appointment of Dr. Shah to lead this important agency," added Stephen Jordan, senior vice president and executive director of BCLC. "Businesses play a large role in delivering foreign assistance, but they need strategic partners too. We are committed to working with USAID to devise innovative ways to advance emerging market development."

BCLC, a 501(c) 3 affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is a resource and voice for the social and philanthropic interests of business. Its mission is to advance the positive role of business in society.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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