WASHINGTON, D.C. - James Stein was sworn in today as the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Mission Director for Macedonia.  USAID Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia Paige Alexander administered the oath.

As Mission Director for Macedonia, Mr. Stein will be responsible for managing USAID’s program with the objective of supporting Macedonia’s efforts to strengthen democratic practices and institutions, increase economic growth, and improve the quality of education.

Mr. Stein most recently served as Deputy Mission Director for Afghanistan, where he oversaw USAID’s democracy and governance assistance, civil-military coordination with the NATO coalition, and the Mission’s management office.

Mr. Stein began his career as a Foreign Service Officer in 1987, joining USAID as an International Development Intern.  From 2010-2102, he was Director of the Strategy and Program Office in the Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean. He has served in Serbia (2007-2010), Guatemala (2003-2007), India (1998-2003), Indonesia (1995-1998), Washington (1992-1995), and Ecuador (1988-1992).

Mr. Stein earned a B.A. in economics from Stanford University and an M.A. in regional planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.