Today, panelists, Ashley Frost and James Maloney, Deputy Directors, Office of HIV/AIDS USAID, discussed USAID’s localization initiative, locally-led development, and the importance of diversified local partners. They discuss USAID’s Global Health work, how USAID supported PEPFAR and the successes it has enjoyed, including statistics of lives saved and changed.

 

James Maloney and Ashley Frost share the new PEPFAR five-year strategy, the USAID Approach to HIV and Optimized Programming (AHOP). AHOP is a framework for USAID to employ assets through efficient, measured, and simplified programmatic approaches to ensure resilient and country-led approaches to the HIV response. The AHOP defines five critical pathways through which USAID will assist countries in sustaining epidemic control and accelerating progress in those that have not yet achieved the 95-95-95 goals. Each pathway outlines planned results and time-bound milestones. If this resonates with you, share successes with Congress to fund the five-year reauthorization of PEPFAR.

 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:32] Mike Shanley outlines key talking points regarding the accomplishments that PEPFAR has achieved over the last 20 years, delivering unprecedented impact in the global fight against HIV AIDS. 

• [02:57] Ashley Frost and James Maloney describe their roles at USAID as Deputy Directors. 

• [04:40] Discussion where funding originates, the investments they make at the primary healthcare level, and successes they have accomplished through PEPFAR, stating that USAID is the largest donor and they are advancing work in the HIV vaccine space. 

• [11:00] James shares statistics of the impact made in the world attributed to PEPFAR and reflects on the history of growth and prevention. 

• [14:50] Discussion of localization, local entities and partners and relationships within country-led staff and senior diplomats in their countries.         [20:06] Looking forward to goals and objectives, James discusses the AHOP framework in response to HIV. 

• [25:24] Ashley comments on the importance of keeping an open dialogue between all partners within the HIV AIDS space, and James outlines the importance of seeing the 5-year reauthorization of PEPFAR. 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Oftentimes, hospitals and building new infrastructure is what gets a “ribbon cutting”, but in terms of buying the best health outcome with USAID’s investments from U.S. taxpayers, the first area of importance is investments made at a primary care level, which will most impact healthcare outcomes, saving lives and supporting healthy lives. The second thing that drives a lot of USAID’s investments across individual disease or health areas is health security.

• Much of PEPFAR’s success lies in engaging with local partners. With regard to localization, the Office of HIV AIDS and the Global Health Bureau have been the front runners in the agency and have been able to guide our agency in these spaces. Right now, about 58 percent of our resources are implemented through local entities, and those sets of partners have been diversified. Small business engagement in the U.S. is essential and has much to offer to the work we can accomplish together. More significant international partners have specific skill sets that are necessary for USAID. As we think about localization, everyone needs to think outside the box and remember that one size does not fit all. 

• By the end of 2025, the vision is to help countries reach what the USAID calls the global commitment of 95-95-95 goals. That means that 95 percent of those who have HIV know their status. 95 percent of those individuals are on treatment, and 95 percent of those individuals would be virally suppressed. The AHOP defines five critical pathways through which USAID will assist countries in attaining these goals. 

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast

Aid Market Podcast YouTube

Mike Shanley - LinkedIn

James Maloney - LinkedIn

USAID Approach to HIV and Optimized Programming

 

BIOGRAPHIES: 

James Maloney has served as the Deputy Director for the Office of HIV/AIDS (OHA) within the Global Health Bureau at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) since March 2020. OHA provides overall programmatic guidance for USAID’s implementation of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and oversight of $4 billion in 53 countries. In March 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, James was asked to support the National Security Council Global Health Development Directorate and serve as the Coordinator for the Ukraine and Regional Health working group. In October 2022, James was designated as the Senior Operations Official for the Global Mpox Response Team and has led coordination of the United States’ global response to mpox. Previously, James led the Supply Chain for Health Division at USAID overseeing over $700 million per year in HIV commodity procurement and supply chain management to advance HIV epidemic control and strengthen the capacity of countries to manage health supply chains. Prior to joining USAID Washington, James served as Senior Technical Advisor from 2015 to 2018 with USAID Haiti managing primary health care and supply chain programs to improve the availability, quality and utilization of health services in the areas of maternal and child health, HIV and TB, reproductive health, nutrition, and WASH. Prior to Haiti, James worked in South Africa from January 2010 with the Department of State and served as the Country Coordinator for PEPFAR and lead the U.S. Government’s interagency response to HIV/AIDS in South Africa.  

 

Ashley Frost joined the Office of HIV/AIDS (OHA) as Deputy Director in August 2023. As a Foreign Service Officer, she most recently served as Health Office Director for USAID/Southern Africa. Over the last decade, she has served as Deputy Director for Operations, Care and Treatment Lead, and Strategic Information (SI) Lead, supporting USAID’s PEPFAR programming in South Africa, Zambia, and Guatemala/Central America. Ashley holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and Demography from Penn State University, and her academic work includes quantitative and qualitative research in HIV, reproductive health, and gender. Before joining USAID in 2011, she worked with Congressional staff members, international researchers, policymakers, and program managers to improve evidence-based decisions for public health outcomes. She served as an education Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin, West Africa.

Fun Facts: Ashley has three sons (ages 12, 9, and 9), and they do many sports as a family! They spend their free time jogging, biking, hiking, and attending many soccer games. Ashley and her husband, Jason, are section hiking the Appalachian trail each year and have walked through Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee together. Degrees: MA, PhD in Sociology and Demography, Languages: English, Spanish, French (comprehension)

 

In a discussion about funding trends and market insights for business development at USAID, panelists highlighted key themes including the emphasis on localization, the impact of supplemental funding, and the necessity of adaptability in response to changing funding patterns. 

 

The panelists stressed the importance of engaging with local and private sector actors for sustainable impact solutions and innovation. Additionally, they discussed effective preparation for phased procurements, addressing challenges like startup costs, and maintaining flexibility in response to changing funding patterns. They emphasized the need to be proactive and adaptive in navigating the evolving USAID partnering landscape.

 

IN THIS EPISODE:

 

• [01:30] Discussion on the key trend of localization and locally-led development in 2023, with insights from Moges Gebremedhin
• [09:31] Caroline Denman discusses the conflict funding, program investments and transition initiatives
• [13:54] Matt Swaim shares insights on the integration of AI tools in the industry, emphasizing their potential to accelerate work and advance development goals
• [17:11] Caroline Denman discusses the trend of major prime implementers having regional offices around the world, emphasizing the importance of localized solutions and engagement with national partners
• [25:14] The link between private sector engagement and locally-led development, emphasizing the role of the private sector in sustaining initiatives
• [35:27] Insights on supplemental funding and the need for adaptability in response to changing funding patterns
• [39:19] Caroline Denman discusses the impact of naming key personnel and the challenges related to startup in project implementation
• [42:00] Transition to preparing for 2024, with panelists sharing their thoughts on key indicators and changes for the upcoming year
• [51:35] Christy wraps up with the key takeaways

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Localization and locally-led development have been significant trends in USAID partnering in 2023. There is a strong emphasis on engaging local actors and building partnerships to facilitate sustainable business solutions and innovation. This trend has implications for project design, implementation, and the ability to deliver quick impactful results
• The phased procurement process, particularly the changing requirements on timing to name key personnel, have implications for project startup and implementation. The process can be costly and requires adaptability and resources to ensure a strong start to project implementation
• Private sector engagement and the cost of engaging local partners are important considerations for sustainability in the localization initiative. The cost of writing a prime USAID proposal and the need to build partnerships with local firms are key factors in the evolving landscape of USAID partnering
• Looking ahead to 2024, an election year, considerations include potential government shutdowns, laddered budgets, and USAID procurement process. 

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast

Mike Shanley - LinkedIn

Christy Hollywood - LinkedIn

Matt Swaim - LinkedIn

Matt Swaim Chemonics - Website

Dragana Veskov - LinkedIn

DraganaVeskov - Website

Moges Gebremedhin

Caroline Denman 

RTI - LinkedIn

 

BIOGRAPHIES:  

 

Dragana Veskov is a seasoned expert in business development and project management with over three decades of progressive leadership experience. In her recent role as Director of Business Development at FHI360, Dr. Veskov leads new business initiatives, overseeing an impressive annual sales volume of approximately $1 billion. Dr. Veskov has established and nurtured strong relationships with key stakeholders, including USAID, FCDO, NORAD, The World Bank, Millennium Challenge Corporation, and private donors. 

 

Moges Gebremedhin is RTI’s Regional Director for Africa based in Nairobi, Kenya. Mr. Gebremedhin provides technical and operational support for RTI’s USAID-funded programs and partners in the region. Working across RTI’s technical divisions and experts, he connects RTI research and solutions with opportunities for impact in the region. 

 

Matt Swaim has been with Chemonics for ten years and currently serves as the Business Development Advisor for the Asia Region. He specializes in writing winning proposals for USAID-funded contracts in the areas of economic growth, promoting sustainable agriculture, and advancing democratic governance. He also serves on Chemonics’ LGBTQ+ Inclusion Technical Working Group which develops approaches and thought leadership in advancing inclusion for the global community.

 

Caroline Denman15 years of field-based technical experience spans economic growth, good governance, stabilization and transition, education, refugee response, gender inclusion, and climate-smart agriculture in over 20 countries around the world, including long term assignments in the Middle East and North Africa. In her current role as Deputy Director for Business Development with DT Global, she leads proposal strategy, development, and learning for large, complex USAID bids, in addition to overseeing efforts for proposal training, industry outreach and positioning, and generating best practices for effective, competitive activity design.

 

The Aid Market Podcast, hosted by Mike Shanley, explores USAID growth strategies, including bootstrapping, external investment, and mergers & acquisitions (M&A). Guests Keith Ives, CEO of Causal Design, and Santiago Sedaca, President of Empower International Development, share their experiences and insights.

Edward Williams,  partner at Williams LLP, joins the conversation to discuss legal considerations in M&A. The discussion concludes with Christy Hollywood, COO of Konektid, who provides a summary of the key takeaways.

Throughout the episode, guests share their experiences and insights on regulatory compliance, due diligence, and the importance of relationships in government contracting. The conversation also emphasizes the value of M&A for career opportunities and impactful development work, highlighting the legal and financial considerations involved. Clear communication, cultural fit, and market understanding are highlighted as crucial factors in ensuring successful acquisitions.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:44] Keith Ives reflects on his educational and business background, culminating in his being a founding partner in Causal Design.
• [06:24] Keith discusses the importance of relationships and attendance at industry events. He also comments on the importance of independent CPA-reviewed financials. 
• [15:36] When should a firm start sponsoring events? 
• [18:23] Santiago Sedaca discusses mergers and acquisitions in the USAID market, and he reflects on the acquisition of his company by Palladium. 
• [25:20] Santiago describes the process of a merger or acquisition and how to prepare for them. 
• [36:17] Mike asks if localization plays into acquisitions, and Santiago comments on private equity firms buying up small businesses. 
• [41:46] Keith comments on not being a small business if acquired and doing a test run with contracts. Santiago points out that culture is a factor. 
• [46:52] Edward Williams describes what happens when a client wants to merge with or acquire another firm and whether there are additional complications if a non-US firm intends to acquire a US firm.  
• [55:54] Christy Hollywood shares her takeaways from today’s conversation. 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Building strong relationships with prime contractors and key players in the industry is crucial for success in the USAID market. Attending industry events and networking can open doors and create opportunities for collaboration.
• In USAID contracting and international development, successful mergers hinge on factors like net income, reputation, and strong market relationships. Cultural fit is vital, and post-acquisition success requires careful integration planning. The sector's low net income margins and minimal involvement of investments or private equity present unique challenges in M&A activities.
• The importance of understanding the "why" behind mergers and acquisitions, as it can be a mission-driven decision, not just a financial one. This understanding can provide opportunities for career advancement and better development work.

 

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast

Mike Shanley - LinkedIn

Causal Design - Website

Keith Ives - LinkedIn

Santiago Sedaca - LinkedIn

Williams LLP - Website

Edward Williams - LinkedIn

Konektid - Website

Christy Hollywood - LinkedIn

 

BIOGRAPHIES

Santiago Sedaca Executive experience in thriving organizations (CARANA, Palladium, DT Global, Wise Responder) leading strategy, developing top performing teams, and managing large technical, business development and operations teams (1000+ people), producing market-leading financial results and social impact (managed $100 million+ P&L). Expert innovator in international development and commercial strategies in emerging markets, working across a range of disciplines with a strong track record in public-private partnerships, sustainability, innovative finance, private sector development, improved governance and natural resource management. Business Development track record, selling more than $700 million in new projects in the last ten years, with networks within USAID, FCDO, DFAT, MCC, DFC, multilateral agencies, and corporations, having worked in more than forty countries.

Edward Williams is a powerful and efficient advocate for his clients. Since 2015, Super Lawyer has rated him a Rising Star in the area of commercial litigation.An experienced attorney with a long history of success in trial practice and transactional matters, T. Edward Williams is a skilled business attorney who have litigated cases involving in variety of business litigation cases, including partnership and shareholder disputes, employment law, uniform commercial code law, oil and gas law, and securities law. Edward is also skilled in bankruptcy and international arbitration matters.Edward has represented American and foreign companies in matters involving the Defend Trade Secrets Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, among others.

Keith Ives is a project and policy leader passionate about evidence-based decision-making in development economics and humanitarian response. Before bringing the Causal Design team together, he consulted for The World Bank and worked for Georgetown University’s Initiative on Innovation, Development, and Evaluation (gui2de) designing mobile phone-based surveys and managing randomized trials in Kenya and Nigeria. Keith has designed evaluations for the Liberian and Rwandan Ministries of Agriculture, executed a growth diagnostic for the Kurdistan Regional Government, coordinated humanitarian responses in Haiti, Nigeria, and the United States, managed economic development projects in Kenya and Burkina Faso, and led Marines during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Christy Hollywood supports Konektid clients and consultants with skills honed during 20+ years of leadership in international development, professional services, and consulting organizations. She led a successful consulting firm of her own for 11 years. Earlier, she served as Vice President for BD of Cardno (a large USAID and MCC contractor, since acquired) and held pivotal business development roles at KPMG’s Emerging Markets Group, RTI International, PATH, as well as Fidelity Investments and Noblis. A recognized expert in business development consulting, she’s authored several articles and is five-time invited presenter at international conferences on proposal management, competitive intelligence, and business development.

 

David Beasley, former Executive Director of the World Food Program, discusses global food security and international development. 

 

Beasley highlights the progress made in the past 200 years but emphasizes the current challenges and the need for strategic and effective international development. He highlights the importance of stabilizing environments, providing hope, and addressing issues like mass migration, famines, war, conflict, COVID implications, and climate shocks. 

 

Beasley shares insights into his messaging strategy to secure funding, stressing the cost-effectiveness of investing in international aid for both humanitarian and national security reasons.

 

This episode is co-hosted by the Society for International Development - United States (https://sidw.org/). 

TIMESTAMPS:

• [01:47] Discussion on global food security and international development challenges.
• [02:27] Emphasis on the urgency and importance of international development at the current global crossroads.
• [03:51] Messaging strategy for discussing the role of international development and foreign aid funding with political leaders.
• [07:01] Priorities during Beasley's tenure as the Executive Director of the World Food Program.
• [09:29] Efforts to raise funds strategically and the success in raising $14.4 billion.
• [11:06] Tailoring the message to different constituencies and the importance of flexibility in international aid programs.
• [14:28] Nomination by Nikki Haley for the role of Executive Director of the World Food Program.
• [17:27] The effectiveness of using food as a tool for peace and reconciliation among Democrats and Republicans.
• [19:44] Beasley's involvement in addressing the Ukraine situation, focusing on economic factors and the impact on global food security.
• [20:21] The potential consequences of the conflict in Ukraine on fertilizer production, fuel costs, and food prices globally.
• [22:21] Concerns about the distraction of war and conflict affecting fundraising for humanitarian programs.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Beasley emphasizes the need for strategic and effective international development to address current global challenges, including mass migration, famines, war, conflict, COVID implications, and climate shocks.
• The messaging strategy for securing funding involves demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of international aid, aligning with national security interests, and emphasizing success stories.
• The Ukraine conflict poses significant risks to global food security due to disruptions in fertilizer production, increased fuel costs, and the destabilization of food-producing regions. The impact extends beyond the immediate conflict zone to affect vulnerable populations worldwide.

 

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast 

Mike Shanley - LinkedIn 

 Society for International Development 

 

Guest Bio:

David Muldrow Beasley (born February 26, 1957) is an American politician and the former Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme.[1] A member of the Republican Party, he served one term as the 113th Governor of South Carolina from 1995 until 1999 before losing reelection to Democrat Jim Hodges. He also served as a state representative from 1981 until 1995.

Early life

Beasley was born in Lamar, South Carolina. He is the son of Richard Lee Beasley and Jacqueline (Blackwell) Beasley. He graduated from Lamar High School in 1975, then attended the Capitol Page School in Washington, DC while serving as a page in the U.S. Congress.[2]

Early political career

Elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives at age 20, Beasley transferred from Clemson University to the University of South Carolina where he received a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies in 1979 and a J.D. from the School of Law in 1983.[3] Beasley was a member of the South Carolina House representing the Society Hill area from 1979 until 1995, serving as majority whip from 1985 to 1986 and the majority leader from 1987 to 1989.[4] He served as the youngest Speaker pro tempore and Majority Leader in the nation.[5]

During the 1991–92 legislative session Beasley switched to the Republican Party.[6] During the 1994 election for governor, both Beasley and his Democratic opponent Lieutenant Governor Nick Theodore faced tough primary opposition within their respective parties. Beasley defeated his toughest competitor, former congressman and state senator Arthur Ravenel Jr., in both the primary and run-off, and went on to win the general election by a narrow margin of 50%–48%.[6]

Governor

South Carolina had a strong economy while Beasley was governor, with unemployment at a record-low 3.5% in 1998. [7] Beasley often made known his Christ-centered beliefs and conservatism in a state known for its strong ties to Christianity and conservative politics.[8]

Beasley strongly opposed gambling, which was legal in South Carolina until 2002.[9] At the time, many gas stations, convenience stores, and poker "casinos" were established across the state, and as Beasley supported legislation that would outlaw gambling, the video poker industry generated "Ban Beasley" billboards and radio ads.[10]

 

Join us for another discussion on the key trends and funding changes in the USAID and other aid donor markets. In this episode we discuss how USAID partner organizations are prioritizing “locally-led development” in their programs and operations. We also dive into how this localization initiative from Administrator Samantha Power’s team, and compares with previous USAID Administrations.

 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:00] Patrick talks about Christian Aid UK, their work around the world, and then what locally-led means to his team
• [05:12] Patrick explains ways they are working to lead locally-led development 
• [12:45] David talks about Save the Children’s work
• [16:47] David gives advice to partners who want to engage with local partners
• [19:18] Panel discussion of partnering strategy with local and international partners
• [22:18] Jonathan talks about Counterpart and the services they provide to partners and how important relationship building is
• [34:51] Patrick discusses their work with local partners 
• [39:34] David talks about the localization and the aid market
• [42:17] Jonathan discusses proposal development and localization
• [53:19] Christy’s Corner: Christy summarizes three key takeaways from this episode for USAID partners

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Locally led development emphasizes shifting power and decision-making to local communities, organizations, and individuals.
• Principles of partnership, sustainability, and inclusion are crucial in locally led development, focusing on meaningful relationships, sustainable outcomes, and inclusivity.
• Engaging with local partners effectively means moving beyond tactical relationships, starting early in business development, and defining clear partnership principles and commitments.

 

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast

Mike Shanley - LinkedIn

Christian Aid UK - Website

Save The Children - Website

David Barth - LinkedIn

Jonathan Hill - LinkedIn

Counterpart - Website

Konektid - Website

Christy Hollywood - LinkedIn

    BIOGRAPHIES:     Patrick Watt is the Chief Executive Officer for Christian Aid. Prior to this, he was Policy and Campaigns Director, responsible for leading Christian Aid’s influencing, mobilisation, and research and evidence in the UK and internationally, on issues of economic, environmental and social justice.The Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns department works with Christian Aid supporters and partners, to create public pressure for political change, shape policy, and create platforms where people in poverty are listened to and can claim their rights. Patrick has widespread experience of working in development and humanitarian organisations, including Oxfam, ActionAid and Save the Children, on education, global health, aid policy, and debt and trade.     Jonathan Hill Senior Director, Strategy (probably to be changed to Vice President, Strategy) at Counterpart International Jonathan is a nonprofit management leader with broad experience in the international development sector at the organizational and project levels. Jonathan specializes in strategy, finance, operations, and business development. In his strategy role, he leads the planning, management, and measurement of Counterpart’s 3-year strategy to support communities as they work to advance democratic governance, women’s empowerment, and resilient food systems.      David Barth joined Save the Children US in 2018 as Vice President, International Programs, to lead humanitarian response as well as our global health, child protection, education, food security and youth livelihoods programs around the world. In his role, David advances Save the Children’s mission to ensure all children survive, learn and are protected.   Prior to joining Save the Children, David directed the Global Grants division at the Ford Foundation, where he led grant making for numerous bodies of work, including education, child marriage, women’s rights and youth leadership.      Christy Hollywood supports Konektid clients and consultants with skills honed during 20+ years of leadership in international development, professional services, and consulting organizations. She led a successful consulting firm of her own for 11 years.

Join host Michael Shanley on The Aid Market podcast as he sits down with former Senior USAID Official, Chuck Pope. 

In this episode, Chuck provides a deep dive into pivotal trends shaping USAID's approach, covering topics such as the emphasis on localization, the innovative New Partnerships Initiative, and the expanding role of Small Business Utilization. 

The conversation extends to the intersection of artificial intelligence in aid efforts, offering a glimpse into the transformative potential that technology brings to the forefront.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:00] Chuck describes the catastrophic staffing crisis at the USAID
• [06:42] Changes expect to see in light of the current global context 
• [11:02]  4-part infographics solution:  what's the problem, what's the proposed solution, what's the policy, and what's the precedent
• [13:05]  Context relating to localization and discusses the New Partnerships Initiative
• [26:34]  Partnering with veteran owned US small businesses
• [35:32]  Views on Ukraine and Zelensky’s administration 
• [49:07] Whart happens if there is a government shutdown on September 30th and how essential and non-essential employees are determined
• [55:15] How does the 2024 election affect USAID 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Even with Republican Leadership in 2025, the localization agenda will continue.
• USAID’s biggest problem is staffing.

 

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast

Mike Shanley - LinkedIn

Pope International -  Website

Chuck Pope - LinkedIn

 

BIOGRAPHY: 

 

Pope International | Integrated Development Solutions was founded and is led by Charles S. “Chuck” Pope, a former USAID Foreign Service Contracting Officer and senior leader at the Agency. Chuck started his development career in Russia, becoming a Russian speaker and spending most of his career either in the former Soviet Union or countries with historical ties to Russia. His overseas tours in the Foreign Service were in Russia, Afghanistan, Tanzania and India. As a senior Contracting Officer, Chuck supported previous versions of current initiatives like Localization and Private Sector Engagement and personally signed the New Partnerships Initiative into force. Chuck served on both COVID-19 task forces as an acting Deputy Assistant Administrator and Chief of Operations in the Global Health Bureau. His final senior leadership assignment at the Agency before retirement last year was as Senior Regional Advisor for the Middle East. Chuck’s company embodies his strong belief in seeking, forming, and nurturing partnerships by providing the following high-quality services to its partners: International Aid & Development; Business Development; Acquisition & Assistance Support; Capacity Building, Capture Management; Compliance and risk Management; Program & Project Management; and Course & Curriculum Development. Partner with him today at https://pope.international/

 

Host Michael Shanley is joined by Shannon Green, a senior advisor to the administrator for the USAID's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance, and Barbara Smith, who manages democracy, human rights, conflict resolution, and rule of law programs at the Carter Center. 

 

In this episode, they delve into prominent issues and explore the actions taken in response. Additionally, they discuss the current administration's priorities, election integrity, AI’s role, and localization efforts and retrospectively examine our past and present progress.

 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:00] Mike begins by sharing who is on today's podcast and an update from Dean Fritz Meyer of the Denver Democracy Summit
• [09:06] Shannon discusses what her role is at the USAID's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Governance and what is happening there
• [19:28] Barbara shares how this administration is currently prioritizing this work that Shannon shared and compares where we were to where we are
• [26:15] Discussion of USAID Forward and localization and the role AI plays
• [38:38] Discussion of the National Security Council
• [44:08] Question from a partner regarding Save the Children and the Global Fragility Act
• [46:47] Question from a listener on how the DRG is promoted versus what is done on counter-authoritarianism
• [50:41] Questions from two listeners regarding traditional humanitarian and USAID priorities
• [55:12] Barbara and Shannon leave the listeners with important thoughts 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• People from all over the world hunger for freedom.
• The USAID is harnessing its development assistance to promote accountable states, active citizens and rights-respecting societies.
• Brazen attempts at stealing elections are a problem in Africa. 

 

RESOURCES:

Shannon Green - USAID website

Barbara Smith - Carter Center Website

Fritz Mayer LinkedIn

  BIOGRAPHIES

Shannon N. Green serves as the Assistant to the Administrator of the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG). In this role, she leads USAID’s efforts to invigorate democracy, enhance human rights and justice, and bolster governance that advances the public interest and delivers inclusive development.

Previously, Ms. Green was the Senior Advisor to the Administrator and Executive Director of the Anti-Corruption Task Force where she led USAID’s historic elevation of anti-corruption and aligned the Agency’s policies, programming, and resources to counter corruption at a global scale.

Before returning to public service in 2021, Ms. Green was the Senior Director of Programs at the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) and Director and Senior Fellow of the Human Rights Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where her research focused on addressing threats to democratic institutions and norms, enhancing justice and accountability, and improving security forces’ respect for human rights.

From 2004 - 2015, Ms. Green held a number of positions in the U.S. Government, including as the Senior Director for Global Engagement on the National Security Council. In that role, she spearheaded efforts to deepen and broaden U.S. engagement with critical populations overseas, including the President’s Stand with Civil Society Agenda and young leader initiatives around the world. Prior to that, Ms. Green served in the DRG Center, where she developed policies, strategies, and programs to advance political reform and human rights in the Middle East and North Africa.

Ms. Green received her B.A. in Political Science and History from the University of Georgia and her M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University, and has served as an adjunct professor for Syracuse University Maxwell School.

 

Frederick ‘Fritz’ Mayer, Ph.D., is the dean of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. Dean Mayer's research interests include international trade and economic globalization and the role of storytelling in politics and collective action. He has published two single-author books, four educational publications, and numerous articles and chapters. He is affiliated with the American Political Science Association, the International Studies Association, and the Association of Public Policy and Management. Prior to DU, Dean Mayer served as professor of public policy, political science and environment; associate dean; director of the Center for Political Leadership, Innovation and Service; and director of the Program on Global Policy and Governance at the Terry Sandford School of Public Policy at Duke University.

 

Barbara Smith oversees the Carter Center’s democracy, human rights, conflict resolution, and rule of law programs, which operate projects and observe elections in countries across the globe.

Before coming to The Carter Center in September 2020, Smith was principal and founder of the international development consulting firm Mountain Time Development. She also was a senior associate at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, focused on the Human Rights Initiative, conducting field work and research on civil society. Her wide-ranging career also includes assignments at the United States Agency for International Development and with the National Security Council in the White House.

At USAID, Smith held a number of positions, most recently as deputy assistant to the administrator in the Bureau of Policy, Planning, and Learning. She also co-led the team that created the seminal USAID 2013 Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance Strategy, which is applied across the approximately 100 countries where USAID works. Other positions she held at USAID included senior policy analyst, deputy coordinator for Middle East Transition Response during the Arab Spring, and senior field advisor for democracy and governance.

Smith served on the National Security Council as a director for Afghanistan and Pakistan affairs and as senior director for governance and law at the Asia Foundation. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, she was a spokesperson for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. In Afghanistan, she was assistant country representative for the Asia Foundation, where she also directed the foundation’s efforts to assist Afghanistan in holding its first post-Taliban elections.

Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Texas and a master’s degree in political science from Texas State University.

@AidKonekt and @Konektid CEO @Mike Shanley was joined by Gillian Caldwell, Chief Climate Officer and Deputy Assistant Administrator at USAID, along with Greg Shanahan, Operational Climate Change and Sustainability Officer, to delve into the crucial subject of climate change. Our guests shed light on USAID’s investments in climate, and how partners can best be positioned in the market to support these crucial projects. 

  

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:39] Gillian discusses USAID’s climate strategy and what they have learned early on
• [09:00] Gillian talks about how she sees key partners working together and the their approach to climate mitigation and adaptation activities
• [14:07] Greg shares how USAID approaches sustainability internally in their operations
• [20:34] Discussion on how climate strategy and localization strategy work together, how important projects are being implemented and how focus groups involving partners have been valuable
• [31:23] Gillian and Greg highlight the strategies they see in the future and they answer questions from listeners about how targets and their progress are being shared, Power Africa, youth engagement, and will AI play a role in meeting climate strategies
• [48:15] Discussion on how the private sector can step up and participate in the adaptation 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Update on first year of USAID climate strategy implementation
• USAID is also focused on reducing the climate impact of its internal operations
• Climate strategy is implemented through the framework of USAID’s localization focus

 

RESOURCES:

Aid Market with Mike Shanley - LinkedIn

USAID - Gillian Caldwell - Website

Gillian Caldwell - Twitter

Climate Strategy - Website

 

BIOGRAPHIES:

 

Gillian Caldwell serves as the Chief Climate Officer and is responsible for directing and overseeing all climate and environment work across the agency. She also serves as Deputy Assistant Administrator, overseeing DDI’s Center for Environment, Energy, and Infrastructure and the Office of Environmental and Social Risk Management.

Ms. Caldwell has worked to protect human rights and the environment throughout her career. Prior to joining USAID, she served as the CEO of Global Witness, which has a focus on tackling climate change and deploys investigations into corruption and natural resource extraction to drive systems change worldwide. From 2007-2010, she launched and led 1Sky, a highly collaborative cross-sector campaign with over 600 allied organizations to pass legislation in the U.S. to address the climate crisis. Gillian also has extensive experience consulting in the areas of strategic planning and organizational development with over 70 non-profits, foundations, and universities.

Ms. Caldwell has a B.A. from Harvard University and a J.D. from Georgetown University, where she was recognized as a Public Interest Law Scholar. She has received a series of awards recognizing her work as a leading global Social Entrepreneur.

 

Greg Shanahan - Senior management analyst / internal consultant and operational climate/sustainability team lead with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). I began my career as an educator, a role through which I immediately took on significant responsibility and rapidly grew my leadership and management skills in a fast-paced, dynamic, and people-centric environment. Following my interest in public policy and administration, I joined the U.S. Government as a Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) and have been a civil servant in several federal agencies, including USDA, ED, HHS, and USAID.

I'm passionate about solving complex problems in collaborative, multicultural, inclusive, and globally-minded organizations with a measurable social impact. I also enjoy helping others grow and work toward achieving their goals. I'm a high performer who drives results through strong interpersonal and cross-functional relationships, data-driven decisions, clear communications, and exceptional organization.

I enjoy traveling, learning new things, and spending quality time with family and friends in my free time.

Networking is a professional value of mine. I enjoy meeting new people, learning about others' career paths and interests, and helping others on their journeys. Please reach out if you're keen to connect.

 

Recorded: February 4, 2021

 

 A conversation with Andrew Natsios, former USAID Adminstrator on USAID under the Biden Administration. Andrew S. Natsios is an Executive Professor at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University (2012-present) and Director of the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs. He currently serves as Chair of the Program Advisory Committee for HarvestPlus, which is part of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, and as a Fellow of the Michael E. DeBakey Institute for Comparative Cardiovascular Science and Biomedical Devices at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

 

Andrew Natsios, former USAID Administrator:

He was previously a Distinguished Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service (2006-2012). Professor Natsios served as Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development from 2001 to January 2006. He was the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan (2006-2007) to deal with the Darfur crisis and the North-South peace agreement. He served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives (1975-1987) and in state government (1999-2001) as the Secretary of Administration and Finance. He was the CEO of the Big Dig in Boston, the largest construction project in American history after a cost-overrun scandal. Professor Natsios was VP of the NGO World Vision U.S. (1993-1998). He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves for twenty-three years, served in the Gulf War in 1991, and was a Lt. Colonel when he retired in 1995. He is a graduate of Georgetown University (BA history) and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government (MPA). Professor Natsios, with President George H. W. Bush’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Andrew H. Card Jr., recently edited Transforming Our World: President George H. W. Bush and American Foreign Policy. This book, available in print in December 2020, brings together a distinguished collection of foreign policy practitioners—career and political—who participated in the unfolding of international events as part the Bush administration to provide insider perspective by the people charged with carrying them out. Professor Natsios is the author of three books: U.S. Foreign Policy and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1997), The Great North Korean Famine (2001), and Sudan, South Sudan, and Darfur: What Everyone Needs to Know; collaborated on thirteen other books; and has published opinion pieces in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal. He has published twenty-eight journal articles in, among others, Foreign Affairs, the Washington Quarterly, the Foreign Service Journal, Parameters, and PRISM.

 

ABOUT THE HOST:

 

The podcast is hosted by Mike Shanley, Founder and CEO of Konektid International and AidKonekt Data, the leading USAID partner support firms that help clients to grow their USAID funding portfolios. Mike has nearly two decades of experience in working with USAID projects and funding opportunities. His USAID funding expertise has been recognized by the largest aid and development associations, partners, and conferences, including by USAID, Devex, British Expertise International, AidEx, and by the Society for International Development-US where he also serves as Board Member.

 

Websites:

Konektid International: www.konektid.com

AidKonekt Data: https://www.aidkonekt.com/usaid-biz-dev

Connect with Mike Shanley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konektid-usaid-specialists/

Recorded: September 14, 2021

 

 Join us for a virtual conversation with USAID's COVID Task Force. We look forward to hosting this event with their team to update the USAID partner community on their important work. This is also a great opportunity for new USAID partners to learn more about this crucial initiative. Learn more about USAID's COVID response here: https://www.usaid.gov/coronavirus Panelist Bios: Shanda Steimer, Director, Center for Nutrition at USAID Shanda Steimer is a career member of the United States Foreign Service with more than 20 years of development experience. Ms. Steimer has worked for USAID since 2002 and is currently detailed to the USAID COVID-19 Task Force, serving as the Pillar Lead for Programs and Strategic Planning. She is a health officer by background and has served in Mali, Nepal, Pakistan, Uganda, Washington and Zambia, managing a diverse range of USAID portfolios primarily in health, but also in education, Feed the Future, Energy, Food for Peace and the Environment. Before joining the Task Force, Ms. Steimer was the Director for the Center for Nutrition in the Bureau for Resilience and Food Security. Prior to joining USAID, Ms. Steimer worked for various international organizations, the private sector and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guinea. Ms. Steimer has a Master of Public Health degree in maternal and child health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Stephanie Fugate, Program Operations, COVID-19 Task Force at USAID Stephanie Fugate is currently the Program Operations/Management/Budget Lead for the USAID COVID Task Force (on detail from her role as Division Chief, Professional Development and Training). With over 15 years in international development, in both the public and private sector, she has served as Branch Chief/Supervisory Contracting Officer with USAID's Special Initiatives and Development Partners division, and Contracting Officer with USAID's Bureau of Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance. She also held the role of USAID's first Coordinator for the Acquisition and Assistance Innovation Lab and remains a USAID Agency Innovation Advocate (AIA) to this day. Previously she held Contracting and Program Officer roles with the U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Technical Assistance/Revenue Administration and Policy team which sits within the Treasury's International Affairs bureau where she was assigned to the Africa and Caribbean regions. Prior to joining the public sector, she worked for Chemonics International, Inc. where she was a Business Development Manager for the Africa region focused mainly on Eastern and Southern Africa. Ms. Fugate is a member of the NCMA Board of Advisors and holds a BA in International Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a MA in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University. Chuck Pope, A&A Strategy Lead, COVID-19 Task Force at USAID Charles S. “Chuck” Pope is the Senior Regional Advisor for the Middle East at USAID. Prior to that, he served as Chief of Operations in the Global Health Bureau providing senior leadership to the COVID-19 Response and current and future Supply Chain programming. Previous to that, he served the bureau as Deputy Assistant Administrator leading policy, programs, planning, innovation and systems. He started his career overseas in Russia as a Peace Corps volunteer attached to Moscow City Administration (Zelenograd Prefecture) working on NGO development. Afterwards, he went to work for IREX in Central Asia on the State Department’s Internet Access and Training Program. IREX would later promote Chuck to Regional Director of the Caucasus overseeing all programs in the region. Peace Corps subsequently hired him as Administrative Officer to restart the program in Uzbekistan, which had been closed following 9/11. The program would grow to become one of the largest Peace Corps posts, with Chuck also serving a stint as acting Country Director. After his tour, the Peace Corps put Chuck in charge of training new Administrative Officers for overseas assignments. During this time, he also served the agency as the Financial and Administrative Officer of the Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts, the historic deployment of the Peace Corps domestically. Chuck joined USAID's Foreign Service in 2007 and has served in Russia, Afghanistan, Tanzania and India. Prior to public service, Chuck grew up on his family’s farm in Kansas and was an accomplished athlete, winning collegiate national championships as both a player and a coach, and garnering all-American accolades at the junior college level before going on to start at Baylor University as center on the football team.

 

ABOUT THE HOST:

 

The podcast is hosted by Mike Shanley, Founder and CEO of Konektid International and AidKonekt Data, the leading USAID partner support firms that help clients to grow their USAID funding portfolios. Mike has nearly two decades of experience in working with USAID projects and funding opportunities. His USAID funding expertise has been recognized by the largest aid and development associations, partners, and conferences, including by USAID, Devex, British Expertise International, AidEx, and by the Society for International Development-US where he also serves as Board Member.

 

Websites:

Konektid International: www.konektid.com

AidKonekt Data: https://www.aidkonekt.com/usaid-biz-dev

Connect with Mike Shanley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konektid-usaid-specialists/