WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) swore in R. Douglass "Doug" Arbuckle as the new mission director to Malawi. Arbuckle will oversee programs that focus on promoting Malawi's political and economic development, improving health and education services, strengthening food security through agricultural investments, decreasing the country's dependence on humanitarian assistance, increasing its ability to make positive contributions to security in the region, and participating in the global community more broadly.

USAID Deputy Administrator Donald Steinberg administered the oath of office at the swearing-in ceremony. "Our partnership with Malawi is an important one and we believe Doug has the perfect skill set for building on the many successes at the USAID Mission there," said Steinberg. "The success of our programs and activities in Malawi depend on our highly dedicated staff and implementing partners. USAID remains committed to an open and transparent dialogue, and work side by side with the Malawi government to build upon the accomplishments that have been made in the country."

Prior to his post in Malawi, Arbuckle served as deputy mission director in Sudan, as well as the supervisory executive officer/executive officer at USAID missions in Iraq, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Honduras.

Before joining USAID in 1989, Arbuckle worked for the Freedom from Hunger Foundation, the International Eye Foundation, and the International Rescue Committee. He also served in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia where he worked on smallpox eradication efforts. He is fluent in four languages - Amharic, French, Spanish, and Kiswahili.

He received a B.A. in psychology from Eisenhower College in Seneca Falls, N.Y., an M.A. in sociology from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va., and a master's of international administration from the school for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont.

Arbuckle is married with three children and two grandchildren.

For more information about USAID and its programs in Malawi, please visit www.usaid.gov.