MCC Leadership Moving Forward; CEO and a Senior Advisor

Last Wednesday, MCC CEO nominee Daniel Yohannes had his confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.  His remarks touched upon his Ethiopian roots and his perseverance once in America to seize opportunities and lift himself out of poverty.  Quite a record of achievements, experience that should serve him and the MCC well as it takes on new challenges, many of which were invoked by Senators Menendez and Lugar at the hearing:  additionality to USAID; how MCC fits into the larger foreign assistance structure; the need for deeper consultation with stakeholders in partner countries (particularly women); and the need to show implementation results.

Yohannes' nomination now needs to be voted out of Committee before he can be officially confirmed.  He doesn't appear to be on the agenda for the November 10 business meeting.  Sure would be great if he were confirmed in time to participate in the MCC's December 9th Board meeting where FY10 country eligibility decisions will be made. 

And then, in an interesting move -- before Yohannes is even confirmed -- an announcement from the White House that Deputy White House Counsel Cassandra Butts has been appointed as his Senior Advisor.  Some serious creds heading into the front office of the MCC.  Looking forward to seeing how the rest of the senior management team comes together.