WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Alexandria Panehal was sworn in as the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Mission Director for the Dominican Republic. USAID Administrator Raj Shah administered the oath of office.

As Mission Director, Ms. Panehal will oversee the mission’s efforts in the Dominican Republic and contribute to regional programs across the Caribbean. Within the Dominican Republic, USAID works to protect the environment, expand access to healthcare, improve the quality of the education system, develop the agricultural sector, and strengthen the capacity of the Government of the Dominican Republic to deliver goods and services to its citizens. The mission is also deeply involved in the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, which combats narco-trafficking in the Caribbean region. 

Prior to this position, Ms. Panehal was the acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for USAID’s Economic Growth, Education and the Environment Bureau.  After the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Ms. Panehal was extensively involved in the design and implementation of shelter and infrastructure reconstruction efforts. She has also served as USAID Mission Director in Ecuador (2005-2009) and as Deputy Mission Director for the Regional Mission for Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus (2000-2003).  Ms. Panehal has also previously worked in Nicaragua, Honduras, Tunisia, and Thailand.