WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Donald “Larry” Sampler Jr., was sworn in as Assistant to the Administrator in the Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs.  In this role, Sampler will oversee the two countries with the largest USAID budgets in a region critical to U.S. national security.  USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah administered the oath.

“This is a unique and important moment for the region: in Afghanistan, even as our troops come home, we continue to invest in the nation’s long-term development, ensuring the gains we’ve made over the last decade are lasting and meaningful.  And in Pakistan, many of our partnerships are beginning to hit their stride—delivering rewards that will affect millions” said USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah at the swearing in ceremony. “Larry is the perfect fit to lead our work in the region at this important time.  With a military background and substantial experience in conflict environments, Larry appreciates better than anyone the intricate and indispensable link between national security and human security. And he knows better than anyone that long-term stability and peace require not only the reassurance of security, but also the promise of a good education and the hope of a steady job.”

Since June 2013, Sampler has served in the role as the Acting Assistant to the Administrator. He has travelled to Afghanistan and/or Pakistan over 60 times since 2001 and lived in Kabul for several years.

From early 2011 to May 2013, Mr. Sampler was Senior Deputy Assistant to the Administrator working on Afghanistan and management issues in the Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs. From August 2009 through early 2011, Mr. Sampler was Vice President and Director of the Communities in Transition Division of Creative Associates International.

Mr. Sampler has substantial experience in conflict and post-conflict environments working for USAID, the U.S. Department of State, the Institute for Defense Analyses, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and the OSCE mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 2002, Mr. Sampler worked with the Afghan Constitutional Loya Jirga and the Afghan Emergency Loya Jirga. 

Mr. Sampler graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology (GT) with a degree in Physics. He also pursued graduate studies with GT’s Technology and Science Policy Program where he examined the role of technology in quality-of-life improvements for developing nations and he holds a graduate degree in Diplomacy from Norwich University.