WASHINGTON D.C. – David Barth was sworn in today as the new United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director for Bosnia and Herzegovina.  Dr. Rajiv Shah, USAID Administrator, administered the oath of office.

As Bosnia and Herzegovina Mission Director, Barth will oversee the U.S. mission’s efforts to increase stability, become more closely linked to the rest of Europe, foster more effective and accountable institutions that meet citizens’ needs, and help create a competitive, market-oriented economy providing better economic opportunities for all citizens.

Prior to his appointment, Barth served as Deputy Chief of Staff for USAID.  In this position, he was responsible for supporting Agency policy and administration on behalf of the Administrator and his front office team.  In 2011, Barth was the acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Legislative and Public Affairs and the Director of the Office of Education.

His past assignments include Director of the Office of Middle East Programs, and Regional Legal Advisor for Egypt, Yemen, Jordan, Morocco and Lebanon.  He also served in Central America, as USAID Regional Legal Advisor for Guatemala, Panama and Nicaragua. Barth has served as Acting Mission Director in a number of countries, notably in Lebanon following the military conflict in 2006.

Barth graduated with honors from Boston University and the National Law Center at George Washington University.  He was the recipient of the Harold Shapiro Public Service Award and the Murray Snider Public Interest Fellowship. He has received numerous awards for his service at USAID including two 2011 Superior Honor awards.