Statement on Nomination of Amb. Power as USAID Administrator

Tjada D’Oyen McKenna, Mercy Corps CEO says:


“Mercy Corps applauds the selection of Ambassador Samantha J. Power to head the U.S. Agency for International Development. Ambassador Power, with her proven dedication to addressing the world’s toughest problems, is the right leader for this dire global moment. The COVID-19 global health crisis has exacerbated global hunger, poverty, and violent conflict. There are now 235 million people -- 1 in every 33 globally -- in need of humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, climate change is disproportionately affecting the world’s poor.

“Given her work advocating for atrocity and conflict prevention, Ambassador Power understands that we must address these worrisome trends even as we confront their root causes of civil conflict, inequality, and unjust governance. She is uniquely well-qualified to lead the implementation of the bipartisan Global Fragility Act, an innovative new law Mercy Corps has championed to focus U.S. diplomatic and development efforts on preventing violent conflict in some of the most vulnerable communities where we work. Mercy Corps looks forward to continued partnership with Ambassador Power and USAID on these and other global challenges.”