WASHINGTON D.C. -- Today, Michael Greene was sworn in as the new Mission Director for Azerbaijan for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Counselor Hilda "Bambi" Arellano administered the oath.

Prior to being named as Mission Director, he served as Director of the Regional Platform for Western Afghanistan starting in 2009 where he oversaw all Agency stabilization and development field staff, activities, and office operations. In Peru, he was the Director of the Office of Alternative Development Programs from 2005-2009.

His other posts included: Director of the Office of Private Sector Development in Croatia; Office Director of Economic Programs in Armenia; Supervisory Executive Officer in the Dominican Republic; Deputy Executive Officer in Bolivia; Disaster Assistance Coordinator in Bangladesh; and Manager of the Regional Office for the Coastal Reconstruction Project in Ecuador.

During his over twenty years of service at USAID, Greene has received numerous performance recognitions including Superior and Meritorious Honor awards.

Greene received a Bachelor of Science and law degree (Juris Doctor) from the University of Minnesota. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from George Washington University.

As Mission Director for Azerbaijan, Greene will oversee USAID's programs to support Azerbaijan's transition to a broad-based, market-driven democracy. USAID programs engage citizens, expand jobs, increase incomes, and improve the health and quality of life of Azerbaijan's people.

During his remarks at the ceremony, Greene stated, "I am delighted that I have been given the opportunity to join the Europe and Eurasia Bureau and contribute to the excellent work that USAID has been doing in Azerbaijan. I look forward to working with the entire US Government team in Baku to further strengthen our strong relations with Azerbaijan and assist in the country's development progress."

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