WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) swore in Melissa Williams as the mission director to Zimbabwe. As the new mission director, Williams will help Zimbabwe's democratic forces advance reforms and provide much-needed humanitarian assistance. USAID Deputy Administrator Donald Steinberg administered the oath of office at the swearing-in ceremony.

Most recently, Williams served four years as mission director in Zambia. Her career at USAID begin in 1987, and she has worked in Honduras, Zimbabwe, Zambia, USAID's Africa Bureau and USAID's West Coast Outreach Office in Ontario, California. In 2002, Williams served as the program officer in South Africa. She was appointed as the deputy director of USAID/Zambia in 2006. Prior to joining USAID, Williams worked for five years as a commercial banker in the United States.

Williams has received numerous awards for her service to USAID. Fluent in Spanish, she received her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina and her master's degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Williams is married with one daughter.

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