Moving On

I came to CGD nearly to two years ago to lead the Rethinking U.S. Foreign Assistance program, and now it’s time to move on to other pursuits.  But not to worry, Rethink will be in good hands.I have been honored to work with such a fine group of people who are doing important research on difficult issues.  During just ten years in existence, CGD has had major impacts on how the United States engages with the rest of the world on global development issues.  I look forward to watching its next decade of work.I am proud of the work we’ve done in the Rethinking program.  From nudging the administration to live up to its commitments made in the President’s Policy Directive on Global Development and the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review to our tracking of special initiatives to our work on the USAID Monitor, I hope that we have filled a gap in existing analysis.  It has been a delight to work with the many groups and individuals who care about these issues.I leave with mixed feelings – a bit of sadness to not be involved in the day-to-day work of monitoring U.S. assistance programs, but also with much excitement to embark on several independent projects.I also leave knowing that the program will be in the able hands of Sarah Jane Staats who will assume leadership of Rethink in June.  Together with the talented Casey Dunning and Will McKitterick, I am certain of its continued success.Best.