WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, T. Christopher Milligan was sworn in as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director for Burma. Assistant Administrator for Asia Nisha Biswal presided over the ceremony and USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah administered the oath of office to Milligan.

Milligan will be the first mission director to serve in Burma since USAID re-established its mission there in July 2012 after a 23-year hiatus. Positioning a full USAID team in country, including senior management and more technical experts, will enable USAID to more effectively engage with the government, civil society, and international partners.  This expanded presence will enhance our ability to oversee programs, coordinate with other donors, and directly benefit the Burmese people.

Milligan has served numerous roles in USAID and the Department of State. He served as senior USAID advisor on the Secretary of State's Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review, Regional Director for the Near East in the Office of U.S. Foreign Assistance at the State Department, and Acting Assistant Administrator for USAID’s Bureau for Public and Legislative Affairs.

Most recently, Milligan served as the senior deputy assistant administrator in USAID’s Bureau of Policy, Planning and Learning. A senior Foreign Service Officer, Milligan Deployed to Haiti as U.S. Response Coordinator for the US Government’s relief efforts following the January 2010 earthquake. Milligan has served in a number of missions overseas including Ecuador, Indonesia, and Zimbabwe.

A graduate of the National War College, he also has a master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and a bachelor of science in foreign service degree from Georgetown University.

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