WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dr. Jim Barnhart was sworn in today as U. S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Mission Director for Jordan. USAID’s Acting Administrator Alfonso Lenhardt administered the oath of office.

“Jim’s leadership and experience managing USAID programs around the world make him well- suited to lead one of our most important missions,” said Paige Alexander, USAID Assistant Administrator for the Middle East. “His extensive experience in the Middle East is key as we continue our long-standing commitment to the Jordanian people.”

  Dr. Barnhart most recently served as USAID’s Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Food Security. Previously, Dr. Barnhart served as USAID Mission Director in Albania and Lebanon. He has been an integral part of USAID’s relief and economic growth efforts in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe for 15 years. Throughout his career, Dr. Barhart has directed programs in development and economic growth.

Prior to joining USAID, Dr. Barnhart spent twelve years in the NGO community, working for the Middle East Council of Churches in Jerusalem and Ramallah, and an American-Armenian foundation in Istanbul, Jerusalem and Armenia. Dr. Barnhart studied Arabic in Cairo, Damascus, Ramallah, and Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Barnhart earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Georgia State University and a Master’s Degree in International Economics from the Johns Hopkins University (SAIS).