WASHINGTON - Today the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Gayle Smith sent an exit memo to President Obama. The memo highlights the accomplishments in global development over the last eight years, and ideas for how our country can continue to build on this progress into the future.

Cabinet Exit Memo 2017: Investing in Our Shared Future

"For 55 years, the U.S. Agency for International Development has led our nation's efforts to advance dignity and prosperity around the world, not only as an expression of core American values but also in pursuit of U.S. national security and economic interests," said Administrator Smith. "In more than 100 countries, we work to foster inclusive economic growth, save lives, strengthen democratic governance, and promote long-term stability. From ending extreme poverty to meeting urgent humanitarian needs whenever and wherever a disaster strikes, we are on the front lines of many of today's greatest global challenges.

"Over the last eight years, President Obama's signature development initiatives have reduced poverty, malnutrition, and mortality, all while spurring entrepreneurship and innovation, empowering women and girls, and helping to build more stable, accountable, and inclusive partners for the United States. Whether we are combating hunger, preventing the spread of deadly diseases, or increasing access to education and clean energy, we are achieving real results that change people's lives for the better - despite the often harsh realities of the sharp-edged world we live in. It has been an honor to serve President Obama and lead the extraordinary team at USAID, and I am pleased to share a brief look at what we have accomplished - both in achieving transformative impact around the world and strengthening the Agency - and how our country can build on this progress into the future."

You can read Administrator Smith's exit memo to President Obama here.