Beth Cypser, the U.S.
Agency for International Development's (USAID) deputy mission director in
Haiti is now the mission director. The promotion took place this morning
after Jose Cardenas, Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean's acting
assistant administrator, provided the oath of office during a brief
ceremony this morning.
"Beth brings a wealth of experience working in developing nations to a
post in a small nation with big challenges," said Cardenas. "More than
that, her leadership style is defined by astute negotiating and
consensus-building skills that create real partnerships. That kind of
leadership will serve her well in Haiti and throughout the rest of her
career."
Cypser, who has more than 30 years experience in development -- 25
years with USAID -- takes charge of a mission in one of the poorest nations
in the Western Hemisphere where two thirds of the population are mostly
subsistence farmers and the per capita income is $1,300 per year.
At the same time, Haiti is one of the largest recipients of USAID
support. This year, the agency is investing $128 million to build up
Haiti's economy and provide vital social services. Since 2004, the U.S. has
provided more than $600 million in aid to Haiti and President Bush has
called for $245 million in assistance for 2009.
A former acting deputy assistant administrator at USAID's Bureau for
Latin America and the Caribbean, Cypser has advised mission directors
throughout the bureau and has represented both the agency and the State
Department in determining foreign assistance budgets and policy. She's also
set regional priorities and arbitrated mission conflicts.
Overseas, Cypser held posts in Jamaica, Egypt and Ecuador. Earlier in
her career, she worked for the World Bank and served in the Peace Corp in
South Korea. She's a graduate of Tufts University in Boston.
Source: USAID
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