Global Strategy Podcast with Mike Shanley (Mike Shanley)

Recorded: December 6, 2022

 Join this event co-hosted with Konektid International. We will hear from two USAID business development panels.

The first will discuss recent trends and best practices with USAID proposal development. This will be followed by a panel taking us inside the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) and their decision making process for awarding proposals.

Inside the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) Process:
- What is the TEC? Who decides who is on the TEC? When are the TEC members determined (before RFP release?)?
- What happens inside USAID after the proposal submission deadline? How soon after proposal submission does the TEC meet?
- Who are the TEC members? Are they all technical experts?
- How is the TEC process supposed to work? Does this usually happen?
- Any interesting insight/stories?
- So what? What do USAID partners need to know about TECs? How can they write better proposals?
- How does TEC assess doing a comp range, BAFO, or going straight to award?
- What happens internally after the TEC decides on the winning proposal?
- How are decisions typically reached? In writing and then Source Selection Authority weighs in or discussions or other?
- How often are stakeholders engaged in the evaluations? Counterparts? PSC experts?
- What are some of the worst mistakes you've seen partners make on their proposal submissions?

Inside the TEC panelist bios:

Meri Cuculoska
Meri Cuculoska is an experienced and versatile international development professional who has served as Program Manager, Project Manager and Technical Expert on USAID-funded programs in Economic Growth and Trade, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), and Strategy and Business Development programs. She was with USAID for 17 years as AOR, COR, Team Leader, and Acting Office Director. She led the design teams, prepared project approval documentation, served as a Chair and as a member of the Technical Evaluation Committees (TECs), and managed the projects. Her expertise is in business enabling environment and private sector development, and her assignments were in Afghanistan, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Liberia, Malawi, Moldova, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia, and Ukraine.

Christy Hollywood, Chief Operating Officer, Konektid International; Eve Hamilton, Senior Consultant; Thom Bruce, Senior Consultant; Meri Cuculoska, Senior Consultant; David Meyer, Senior Consultant

ABOUT THE HOST:

The podcast is hosted by Mike Shanley, Founder and CEO of Konektid International and AidKonekt Data, the leading USAID partner support firms that help clients to grow their USAID funding portfolios. Mike has nearly two decades of experience in working with USAID projects and funding opportunities. His USAID funding expertise has been recognized by the largest aid and development associations, partners, and conferences, including by USAID, Devex, British Expertise International, AidEx, and by the Society for International Development-US where he also serves as Board Member.

Websites:

Konektid International: www.konektid.com

AidKonekt Data: https://www.aidkonekt.com/usaid-biz-dev

Connect with Mike Shanley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konektid-usaid-specialists/

Kimberly Ball, Director of USAID's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization joins Mike Shanley to discuss small businesses and localization, success in using small businesses, how to connect with OSDBU, and what's next. 

General Casey, Former Chief of Staff, U.S. Army joins Mike Shanley to discuss the role of the US military and USAID in US foreign policy. They discuss how organizations that work in peace building and high conflict settings can better understand the military, their perspectives, and how they can most effectively engage with countries that need aid. General Casey describes how he managed military relationships during the Iraq war and what he sees happening with the current wars in Gaza and Ukraine. He provides insight into the shift happening in the global power balance with China trying to take control. Towards the end, General Casey describes how he managed an organization as massive as the US Army. Tune in to hear more about General Casey’s views and why the foreign aid budget is critical to maintain. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:58] Mike shares General Casey’s background.

• [3:07] General Casey explains what the quote “If you cut there, if you don’t fully fund the State Department, you need to buy more ammunition” means.

• [5:13] General Casey shares his thoughts on the foreign aid budget.

• [7:42] How should defense, diplomacy, and development play roles together?

• [10:01] General Casey provides 2 examples of how to best coordinate with the military.

• [17:36] General Casey shares some lessons learned when overseeing reconstruction while conflict is happening and after the conflict has quieted. 

• [20:56] What is the best way for USAID/NGOs to communicate with the military? 

• [23:05] How can Gaza and Ukraine be supported now and in the future for reconstruction? 

• [28:10] General Casey discusses how to approach building trust and gaining insight into what the countries need. 

• [31:23] What will support mean in the short term and long term for Ukraine? 

• [37:18] What is General Casey’s insight about the 5 senior members of the Russian military being reassigned or arrested? 

• [41:12] Is there a shift happening right now in the global power balance? 

• [51:15] How did General Casey manage an organization level as massive as the ones he managed? 

• [1:00:34] What would General Casey say to politicians that want to cut foreign aid?

QUOTES:

• [6:17] “And the farmer said that it allowed him to triple his output, and because he could triple his output, he could then afford to send his children to school. In the grand scheme of things, that might seem like a small thing, but it’s a huge thing to the people that it impacts.” - General Casey

• [52:23] “I think that’s the bane of every leader’s existence today, things are changing so fast that if you try to just keep doing the same thing, it’s not going to work and you’re not going to get ahead.” - General Casey

• [59:39] “Vision, courage, character and offensive mindset. That’s what I believe it takes to lead effectively in any organization, public or private sector today.” - General Casey

RESOURCES:

Supporting Veterans After 50 Years of the All-Volunteer Force and 20 Years of War: Ideas Moving Forward-Book

Aid Market Podcast

Aid Market Podcast YouTube

BIOGRAPHIES: 

General George W. Casey, Jr., enjoyed a 41-year career in the US Army following his graduation from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service in 1970. He is an accomplished soldier and an authority on strategic leadership. As the Army Chief of Staff, he led one of the nation's largest and most complex organizations during one of the most extraordinary periods in our history. He is widely credited with restoring balance to a war-weary Army and leading the transformation to keep it relevant in the 21st Century. Prior to this, from July 2004 to February 2007, he commanded the Multi-National Force – Iraq, a coalition of more than 30 countries, where he guided the Iraq mission through its toughest days.

Currently, he lectures internationally on leadership to the leaders of national and multinational corporations and at other business schools. He serves on corporate boards and numerous boards of organizations that support our servicemen and women, our veterans, and their families. He also teaches international relations at the Korbel School in Denver.

Casey has published a book, Strategic Reflections, Operation Iraqi Freedom, July 2004-2007 (October 2012), about his experiences in Iraq, and two articles on leadership: Leading in a VUCA World, Fortune Magazine (March 20, 2014), and Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous: Leadership Lessons from Iraq, Chapter 1, Changing Mindsets to Transform Security, (December 2013).

Casey holds a master's degree in international relations from University of Denver and served as a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council of the United States, a foreign policy think-tank. He has broad international experience. Born in Japan, he served in operational assignments in Europe, the Balkans, and the Middle East.

Jami Rodgers, Senior Procurement Executive, Chief Acquisition Officer, and Director for USAID Management Bureau’s Office of Acquisition and Assistance joins Mike Shanley to discuss his new role with USAID. Jami talks about the incredible work that his team has done and how they are adapting to change. Jami discusses the strategies and ideas that he plans to implement with his team that he gained from working with other parts of the government such as NASA. Jami explains how AI can benefit the work that his team does, as well as what they need to lookout for. Jami then describes what the localization initiative looks like with the office of Acquisition and Assistance. Tune in to learn more about why partnership is key to the success of this team. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:46] What does Jami see as the current state of contracting Acquisition and Assistance at USAID?

• [6:25] What is feasible for the team to accomplish over the next couple of years?

• [8:47] Which strategies and ideas is Jami bringing back to USAID from other experiences working in the government fields?

• [15:35] What were the 5 steps that NASA used when looking into an acquisition challenge?

• [18:24] How can innovation and rethinking the relationship with risk tolerance be implemented?

• [20:38] Where does Jami look outside of the government for inspiration or innovation for the procurement process?

• [23:03] How does Jami see AI affecting procurement? 

• [31:27] What does the localization initiative look like with the Office of Acquisition and Assistance?

• [35:05] Jami shares about a co-creation workshop that was used to implement a successful localization.

• [36:54] How does Jami look at the new partnerships initiative?

• [39:01] What’s the best way to share ideas with Jami’s team?

• [42:52] What is Jami prioritizing through the end of this fiscal year?

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• One way to reduce risk is by not being overly reliant on the same partners over and over and diversifying the partner base.

• AI can be useful to free up employees from routine and route tasks to higher value work where they can focus on contract administration challenges or getting more partner or site visits, tasks that have more meaning. 

• USAID doesn’t do the work alone. They need players from all over to make an impact. The global challenges are going to require diversity of humanity to solve them. 

QUOTES:

• [14:02] “The whole purpose of the NAIL was to empower that culture of innovation and reinforce the idea that anyone, anywhere, can be an innovation champion to promote an idea that will propel us forward.” - Jami J. Rodgers, CPCM

• [27:34] “We need to think about how not only does AI improve our execution of our current processes, but how can AI change our processes so that we’re more efficient and effective. This is going to take some time, it won’t be done tomorrow. Good things usually take time and thoughtful implementation.” - Jami J. Rodgers, CPCM

• [33:02] “The big exciting news we mentioned is translation, the whole platform is now available in Arabic, French and Spanish. So we vastly increased outreach to local partners. I believe we had close to 1,500 new users on Arabic websites in the last couple of weeks, so we’re hoping that by using the language where we operate, we’re bringing critical material to new partners.” - Jami J. Rodgers, CPCM

RESOURCES:

Jami J. Rodgers, CPCM LinkedIn 

Aid Market Podcast

Aid Market Podcast YouTube

BIOGRAPHIES: 

Jami J. Rodgers serves as Senior Procurement Executive, Chief Acquisition Officer, and Director for USAID Management Bureau’s Office of Acquisition and Assistance (M/OAA). He provides senior executive leadership and oversight of USAID's procurement and financial assistance functions, policies, and initiatives to empower over 600 acquisition and assistance professionals to deliver on U.S. foreign assistance development goals worldwide.

Mr. Rodgers first served at USAID as M/OAA Special Initiatives and Development Partners Division Chief supporting the Administrator's Grand Challenges for Development, the Bureau for Africa, the Bureau for Policy, Planning, and Learning, and the USAID Global Development Lab. He also served as Acting Deputy Director of M/OAA Washington Operations. He most recently served as the Director of NASA Headquarters Procurement Strategic Operations Division and as Head of the Contracting Activity for the Exploration Systems Development and Space Operations Mission Directorates. He co-sponsored the NASA Acquisition Innovation Launchpad to improve operations and reduce barriers to achieve a more diverse and equitable partner base for mission success.

Mr. Rodgers previously served at the Department of Energy (DOE) as Director of the Office of Contract Management, where he oversaw nationwide procurement management reviews, category management efforts, and served as Competition Advocate. He also served as Director of the Office of Headquarters Procurement Services managing $15B in active awards. He began his federal career at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Contract Specialist. He is a Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) with the National Contract Management Association and holds a Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C Professional). He has held unlimited contracting officer warrants at EPA, USAID, and DOE. Mr. Rodgers has been recognized twice with the Secretary of Energy Achievement Award, the USAID Mary A. Reynolds Memorial Award for high-impact innovations, and several Meritorious and Superior Honor Awards.

Mr. Rodgers earned a B.S. in Spanish with a business and international studies minor from Penn State University and an MBA with a focus on strategic management and public policy from the George Washington University School of Business. Mr. Rodgers has served in various volunteer leadership positions with a nationally recognized LGBTQIA+ choral arts organization and is a volunteer citizenship instructor for Arlington County, VA to enrich and celebrate his local community.

Dr. Alma Golden, former USAID Assistant Administrator for Global Health, joins Mike Shanley to discuss Trump II USAID funding priorities, what will be similar and different than Trump I, opportunities for new partners, and USAID and global health overall.

RESOURCES:

• Contact Dr. Alma Golden at agolden@theiwh.org
• Women’s Optimal Health Framework The Women’s Optimal Health Framework - The Institute For Women's Health
• Who We Are — PROSAMI DRC Midwifery Centers
• WOHF PDF Health Across the Lifespan
• Country Roadmaps | USAID
• WOHF PDF: Community Health Worker
• WOHF PDF: Emotional and Mental Health
• WOHF PDF: Healthy Marriage and Family Relationships
• WOHF PDF: Families and Children in Crisis
• WOHF PDF: Adolescent Reproductive and Relationship Health
• acquirefrontline.org Africa Consortium for Quality Improvement Research
• Health, Ecosystems and Agriculture for Resilient, Thriving Societies (HEARTH)
• New Partnerships Initiative | Work with USAID | U.S. Agency for International Development
• 2020 Evidence Summit on Strategic Religious Engagement | Faith and Opportunity Initiatives | U.S. Agency for International Development

BIOGRAPHY:

Dr. Alma Golden is a pediatrician who currently serves as COO and Director of Global Health for the Institutes for Women's Health. Previously she served as the Senate-Confirmed Presidential Appointee to lead the Bureau for Global Health in the United States Agency for International Development in Washington, DC. In that role, she oversaw the USAID Global Health response to the COVID pandemic, directed the Offices of Maternal and Child Health, HIV/ AIDS, as well as other critical health programs.

Previously (2002-2006) she served under President George W. Bush in Health and Human Services leading the Office of Population Affairs which included adolescent health, teen pregnancy, abstinence education, and family planning. She has been instrumental in developing evidence-based guidance and research related to adolescent health risks, parenting, and training of medical and education professionals.

Her career has included private pediatrics, indigent health services, academic medicine (University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, and Texas A&M University), healthcare administration, adolescent health, and national and international public health policy. She began her professional career as a 7th grade Life Science teacher before entering medicine and has remained active in education as well as medicine. Dr. Golden is a proud grandmother and active in her community and church.

LEARN MORE

Thank you for tuning into this episode of the Aid Market Podcast. You can learn more about working with USAID by visiting our homepage: Konektid International and AidKonekt. To connect with our team directly, message the host Mike Shanley on LinkedIn.

Recorded: February 28, 2023

 We are excited to welcome Patrick Fine to this AidKonekt/Konektid USAID Market Series event to discuss USAID's localization initiative. He is the former FHI 360 CEO, former USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator, Africa, and Brookings Institution Nonresident Senior Fellow.

Patrick authored the recent Brookings article "Rethinking the constraints to localization of foreign aid". You can read that article here:
brookings.edu/blog/future-development/2022/12/01/rethinking-the-constraints-to-localization-of-foreign-aid/

This conversation will be followed up by a discussion with Christy Hollywood, Konektid's COO, on what this means for both new and established USAID implementing partners.

We will discuss:
- What are USAID's localization priorities?
- How do these align with the New Partnerships Initiative?
- Does this push differ from previous initiatives like USAID FORWARD?
- How should USAID primes move forward given current conversation for local partners.


Event Draft Agenda
40 min - Localization & USAID discussion with Patrick Fine
10 min - Conversation with Christy Hollywood on what this means for USAID partners
10 min - Q&A

Panelist biographies:

Patrick Fine
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution

Patrick Fine is an international development professional with deep experience in global health, education, humanitarian response, and building resilient communities. He has served in senior positions in both the public and nonprofit sectors, including as the CEO of FHI 360, one of the United States’ preeminent diversified global development nonprofits, and as the vice president for compact operations at the Millennium Development Corporation. A retired member of the career foreign service, Fine served as the senior deputy assistant administrator in the Africa Bureau and mission director in Afghanistan at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). He is a frequent speaker and writer on international and human development.

Patrick Fine, former CEO, FHI 360

ABOUT THE HOST:

The podcast is hosted by Mike Shanley, Founder and CEO of Konektid International and AidKonekt Data, the leading USAID partner support firms that help clients to grow their USAID funding portfolios. Mike has nearly two decades of experience in working with USAID projects and funding opportunities. His USAID funding expertise has been recognized by the largest aid and development associations, partners, and conferences, including by USAID, Devex, British Expertise International, AidEx, and by the Society for International Development-US where he also serves as Board Member.

Websites:

Konektid International: www.konektid.com

AidKonekt Data: https://www.aidkonekt.com/usaid-biz-dev

Connect with Mike Shanley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konektid-usaid-specialists/

Bill Steiger, former USAID Chief of Staff: Partnerships and Innovation at USAID, joins Mike Shanley to discuss USAID’s role in foreign policy, innovation at USAID, partnerships and localization, and USAID funding and direction. 

Biography:

Bill Steiger is a Global Health Consultant at the George W. Bush Institute. Previously, he was Managing Director of Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon, focusing on combating breast and cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. He led strategic planning for the initiative's expansion.

In 2012, Steiger served as a Senior Advisor at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, where he helped restructure the Secretariat and design a new funding model. He also directed a panel reviewing the Global Fund's operations, leading to significant reforms.

Steiger has worked with Leavitt Partners on international health projects and held key roles at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 2001 to 2009. There, he advised on global health issues and represented the U.S. in various international organizations.

He has served on the boards of major health organizations like the World Health Organization and the Global Fund. Steiger holds a Ph.D. in Latin American History from UCLA and a bachelor's degree from Yale.

LEARN MORE

Thank you for tuning into this episode of the Aid Market Podcast. You can learn more about working with USAID by visiting our homepage: Konektid International and AidKonekt. To connect with our team directly, message the host Mike Shanley on LinkedIn.

Dr. Jerry Brown, TIME Person of the Year, joins Mike Shanley to discuss Dr. Brown's work during the Ebola crisis, COVID-19 response and lessons learned for global pandemic preparedness, becoming TIME Person of the Year, and the role of international aid donors and implementing partners.

Co-host: Care Africa Medical Foundation (CAMF) focuses on building clinics in rural Liberia, starting with their hometown of Buchanan in Grand Bassa County, where they have organized free health fairs to provide essential health resources. In addition to their nonprofit efforts, Henry and Gormah run successful businesses that cater to the aging population and assist the homeless in Colorado, creating over 60 local jobs. CAMF plans to open its first medical center in Grand Bassa County in the spring of 2025, addressing urgent healthcare needs. However, the lack of reliable electricity poses a significant challenge to operating medical equipment. As a registered 501(C)(3) organization, CAMF aims to make a lasting impact on healthcare in Africa and inspire others with its dedication to health and community service.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/care-africa-medical-foundation-536206336/

https://www.camedfoundation.org/about/

Biography

Jerry Fahnloe Brown was born on October 18, 1968. Dr. Brown has worked in several capacities as physician. He worked as Escort Doctor for MERCI on boats repatriating Sierra Leonean Refugees back to Sierra Leone. He then worked as the County Health Officer for Grand Bassa County and Medical Director for the Buchanan Government Hospital from 2006 to 2008 after working as a Volunteer Physician at the ELWA Hospital and General Practitioner from 2004 to 2006. In March 2014 he was employed as Medical Director and General Surgeon at the ELWA Hospital a position he held until February 2018 when he was appointed by the President of Liberia to serve as the Chief Medical Officer of the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, the premier teaching and referral hospital. During those years at ELWA, he worked tirelessly performing varieties of surgeries in this low resource setting. He became Clinical Supervisor and Clinician at the ELWA II Ebola Treatment Unit from July 2014 to June 2015. Under his leadership and guidance this unit produced the highest number of Ebola survivors changing the survival rate from ten percent to seventy percent of Ebola Patients at his Center.

From October 2014 to December 2016, he served as Principal Investigator on two research projects with the Clinical Research Management on convalescent plasma and the sequelae of Ebola in survivors. In 2018, he was appointed by the President of Liberia as the Chief Executive Officer of the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, the premier referral hospital in Liberia, a position held until January 30, 2024, due to the political transition of power. While at JFKMC, he established the only active functional Intensive Care Unit in country with support from partners such as Project Cure International and NOCAL. Under his leadership JFKMC, obtained accreditation for training specialists in the areas of pediatrics, internal medicine, general surgery, ophthalmology and psychiatric. He also established the only histopathology unit; a state of the art executive private ward; a dialysis center among others. On May 23, 2019, he was elected Civilian Representative and Advisor to APORA. He also serves as Acting Faculty Head, Department of Surgery, A. M. Dogliotti College of Medicine for two years, and is currently a Part-Time Faculty member, in the Department of Surgery, Liberia College of Physician and Surgeon.

In March 2020, he was appointed by the president of Liberia to serve as the Head of the National Case Management Pillar of COVID-19. He coordinated the management of COVID-19 patients across the country and the care of patients with COVID-19 vaccine related complications. He supervised the drafting of Liberia COVID-19 Clinical Guidelines. Dr. Brown has received many honors to include, Time Person of the Year in 2014; among Time 100 Most Influential Persons, 2014; Civil Servant of the Year, 2014, Republic of Liberia; President of Liberia Highest Honor, Star of Africa in 2015; Golden Key Awards, 2018; He has spoken as several places to include Keynote Speaker, PICC 2016, 8th World Congress on Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care, Toronto Canada, June 2016; keynote Speaker, Case Western University, Ohio, October 2015; Keynote Speaker, Risky Business Conference, London, UK, May 2017; Speaker, American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, (ASTMH) 64TH Annual Meeting, ASTMH Ebola 360 symposium, October 2015; Pepperdine University, Dean Honorary Speaker—Leadership June 2017. 

Thank you for tuning into this episode of the Aid Market Podcast. Learn more about working with USAID by visiting our homepage: Konektid International and AidKonekt. To connect with our team, message the host Mike Shanley on LinkedIn

Randy Tift, Former USAID Chief A&A Policy Officer, joins Mike Shanley as co-host, along with guest Michael Metzler, Executive Director of USAID’s Private Sector Engagement (PSE) Hub. As the first formalized private sector engagement office, USAID is the longest running donor in the space. USAID’s influence continues to evolve, especially as more U.S. foreign assistance professionals are shifting their focus towards the local development of communities and engaging in the private sector space. With this shift comes the need for new policies and strategies necessary to streamline future projects and to support complex relationships between USAID and private sectors. This impactful discussion focuses on USAID's Private Sector Engagement’s (PSE) priorities and progress, learning from PSE USAID projects, PSE and localization, and USAID and impact investing. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [3:53] Michael Metzler gives a rundown of the history of USAID's Private Sector Engagement.

• [7:00] What inspired USAID to shift their focus to the commercial interests of their private sector partners and how has this shift benefited USAID and their private partners? 

• [12:44] Michael touches on why USAID is such a great resource for private sectors and local partners trying to establish themselves to tap into. 

• [15:00] Randy introduces PSE Modernize, the overarching term for several initiatives that USAID has launched to track the agency's private sector partnerships, and to bring data to bear for USAID planners, both in the missions and in DC. This has brought more order to managing PSE partners, resulting in a real system for customer relationship management and knowledge management. Michael shares his thoughts on the launch.

• [23:00] Michael discusses Compass, the Salesforce-based enterprise customer relationship management system that USAID is preparing to launch. He also touches on the staff that will be running and implementing Compass. 

• [28:25] Randy asks Michael how USAID will engage with companies that work through supply chains, that cross borders, or work across sectors and industries? How will USAID incentivize the support for those complex relationships with their workforce?

• [34:00] Discussion of the A&A Strategy and the Private Sector Engagement Policy, both launched in December of 2018. What has been accomplished and learned throughout the years since these launches?

• [42:00] Michael touches on the Unlock Aid Organization. 

• [45:43] How has USAID developed and updated their systems to better assist local partners and private sectors? 

• [52:38] Randy inquires about the continuing role of nongovernmental organizations and nonprofits in private sector engagement and relationships with the Development Finance Corporation.

• [58:30] Michael touches on the Edge Fund and why it was created.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Many U.S. foreign assistance professionals disagreed on the importance of  engaging with multinational corporations, and even local firms, whose primary motive is mere profit. But there's really been a major shift in terms of the development community and engaging the private sector. 

• USAID founded the first formalized private sector engagement office in 2000 with the intention to formalize an approach and its thinking around engaging with the private sector.

• The Private Sector Engagement Policy and the A&A Strategy, both firsts of their kind, were both released in December of 2018. Michael reflects on that time period and what the resulting awards have accomplished.

• When the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) was created, there was a significant hole in the agency in terms of its ability to transact. Thus, the Mission Transaction Unit was created to allow for the transaction that USAID brings into the DFC.

QUOTES:

“Focusing on the actual commercial interests of our private sector partners is not only a good thing to do, it's an absolutely necessary thing to do. In fact, we went further than that and said, it's actually a history of how we are going to do development into the future. So out of that recognition came the first ever PSE policy for the agency, and, if you read the policy, you will see that it presents a very bold vision.” - Michael Metzler

“USAID has one of the best networks in the business community, as well as a wide team of experts in all technical areas. These are areas that private sectors would like to tap into. USAID has some of the best reputations and the best connections with government officials that can be leveraged. For a company that's coming from the outside that is trying to establish themselves, that is gold.” - Michael Metzler

“It’s remarkable for partners to know that for any private sector engagement concern, they can find out who those people are. For various reasons, including security, most technical leads for health or food security are not listed, you have to do research to find out who they are. But with PSE, you know who they are, it's public.” - Randy Tift

“Localization, I also read as not just localized within the countries themselves, but actually engaging these smaller businesses that do struggle to break into larger contracts.” - Michael Metzler

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast 

Mike Shanley - LinkedIn

Randy Tift - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHIES:

Michael Metzler, Executive Director, USAID Private Sector Engagement Hub:

Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator Michael Metzler oversees IPI’s Private Sector Engagement Hub, the Center for Economics and Market Development, and manages the Agency’s relationship with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. Mr. Metzler was previously the Executive Director of IPI’s Private Sector Engagement (PSE) Hub. 

Previously, Mr. Metzler was the Director of USAID’s Development Credit Authority (DCA)  in which he successfully led efforts that mobilized over $6 billion of new financing for development projects in over 80 countries. He was also a leading Agency voice on the development of the BUILD Act, which created the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and managed the successful merger of the DCA office and program into the DFC.

Prior to his DCA work, Mr. Metzler served as the Director of USAID's Economic Growth Office in Serbia, where he managed a diverse portfolio of projects focused on regulatory reform, local economic development, agriculture, enterprise competitiveness and economic security.

Mr. Metzler has also served as a special assistant and adviser to several USAID administrators on issues related to financial markets, macroeconomic policy and regulatory reform. Before joining USAID, he was the director of a national house-building program for Habitat for Humanity International and served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Nepal.

Mr. Metzler is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies, where he studied development finance and economics.

Randy Tift, Former USAID Chief A&A Policy Officer:

J. Randall (Randy) Tift is an advisor / consultant to international development organizations. He led a USAID reform initiative in 2017-21. Previously, he served on US Congressional staff, in field-based operations in global development, and as a policy manager in international affairs focused on relief and development, democracy, human rights, and national security.

At USAID Randy served as Chief Acquisition and Assistance Policy Officer and as Senior Leader Champion for USAID’s Effective Partnering and Procurement Reform (EPPR). EPPR established reforms in program cycle, partnering approaches and delivery mechanisms for more than $20 billion in annual USAID funding. Through EPPR and the New Partnerships Initiative, USAID continues to advance locally-led development, adaptive and collaborative programming, and diversification of the USAID partner base.

From 2006-2017, Randy was Senior Adviser and Senior Director for Policy at World Vision. In this role, Randy managed WV policy engagement with US executive branch agencies in crisis response, operational risk, program effectiveness in fragile states, civil society strengthening, human rights, counter-terrorism, and other issues affecting WV brand, mission, and message. He coordinated US donor support for field programs promoting local advocacy and policy change as a critical driver of development outcomes in over 40 countries.

From 1995-2006, Randy managed international development programs in the Balkans. As Chief of Party in Serbia, he managed the $50 million USAID Community Revitalization through Democratic Action (CRDA) program, supporting post-conflict civic participation, economic growth and income generation, stabilization and reconstruction assistance to Serbia. Randy also served as USAID Senior Adviser for Democracy and Governance in Romania, managing a portfolio of a dozen US and local implementing partners building coalitions for reform, promoting programs to remove barriers to free enterprise and economic growth, supporting independent media, and strengthening Romanian democratic institutions. Earlier, Randy served as coordinator of the US Congressional assistance program in the Romanian Parliament.

Christy Hollywood, Senior Business Development Consultant, joins Mike Shanley to discuss key trends shaping federal business development and capture, strategies for competing and winning in a shifting market, emerging opportunities and challenges, and what this means for business development teams.

Resources:

- GovDiscovery AI Federal Capture Support: https://www.govdiscoveryai.com/

- Request a USG Federal Market Capture Accelerator Packet from GovDiscovery AI: https://airtable.com/appjEpMKc9BdVkqhC/shrPkKFKXHPW3ym5Z

BIOGRAPHY:

Christy Hollywood supports Konektid clients and consultants with skills honed during 20+ years of leadership in international development, professional services, and consulting organizations. She led a successful consulting firm of her own for 11 years.

Earlier, she served as Vice President for BD of Cardno (a large USAID and MCC contractor, since acquired) and held pivotal business development roles at KPMG’s Emerging Markets Group, RTI International, PATH, as well as Fidelity Investments and Noblis.

A recognized expert in business development consulting, she’s authored several articles and is five-time invited presenter at international conferences on proposal management, competitive intelligence, and business development.

LEARN MORE:

Thank you for tuning into this episode of the Global Strategy Podcast with Mike Shanley. You can learn more about working with the U.S. Government by visiting our homepage: Konektid International and GovDiscovery AI. To connect with our team directly, message the host Mike Shanley on LinkedIn.

Sabrina Amburgey, Vice President of Business Development at ACDI/VOCA, Udunopa Abalu,
Director of New Business at the International Development Group, Velora Loughmiller, Chief
Business Development Officer at Blumont, and Christy Hollywood, Chief Operating Officer at
Konektid International join Mike Shanley to discuss 2024 market trends, local partner
engagement and how contractors can serve in Localization agenda, sustainability plans, and
look ahead to the aid market in 2025.

BIOGRAPHIES:
Sabrina Amburgey provides leadership to business development at ACDI/VOCA, a US nonprofit
that helps people and communities improve their lives by increasing economic prosperity and
social inclusion. She has over 25 years of experience in international development in various
business development, technical, and project management roles focused on food security,
resilience, market systems, agriculture, capacity strengthening, and democracy and
governance. As a board member and Global Guidelines Working Group lead for the
Agribusiness Market Ecosystem Alliance (AMEA), a global network for accelerating the
professionalization of farmer organizations and agri-SMEs, she was instrumental in drafting the
recently published ISO18716 Professional Farmer Organization Guidance.

Udunopa Abalu is currently Director of New Business at the International Development Group
Advisory Services, LLC (IDG), a rapidly growing international development organization works
to reduce global poverty through sustainable and inclusive economic development. Udunopa
brings over 10 years of experience in new business development and strategic partnerships,
development economics, international trade, and private sector development.
Prior to IDG, Udunopa worked for Kaizen - A Tetra Tech Company, Improving Economies for
Stronger Communities (IESC), KeyLime International, OFED International, and O’Neill Paragon
Solutions. Udunopa also consulted for the International Labour Organization (ILO). Udunopa
has lived and worked in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Brazil. She holds an M.A. in International
Trade and Investment Policy from George Washington University and a B.S. in Economics and
International Studies (with minors in Political Science and Speech Communication) from Iowa
State University. During her personal time, Udunopa enjoys reading, bicycling, hiking, traveling,
cooking, Zumba, yoga, and meditation. She is also a member of the Association of Women in
International Trade.

Velora Loughmiller is a leader in strategy, planning, and business development based on two
decades of work across the USG, including USAID, Departments of State, Agriculture, Defense,
and Energy, as well as an array of bi- and multi-lateral partnerships. When it comes to market
analysis, she’s a firm believer that it takes a healthy combination of deep-dive data analysis and
leveraging your network, and equally enjoys catching up with colleagues over coffee or nerding
out over CBJ details. Velora holds a master’s in European studies, bachelor’s in geography, and
is a certified project management professional (PMP). Based in the DC area for fifteen years,
you’ll find her enjoying local and regional outdoor haunts for great hiking; continuing to hone
covid-era learned skills of bread and candy making; and trying out the many types of cuisine the
area has to offer.

Christy Hollywood supports Konektid clients and consultants with skills honed during 20+ years
of leadership in international development, professional services, and consulting organizations.
She led a successful consulting firm of her own for 11 years. Earlier, she served as Vice
President for BD of Cardno (a large USAID and MCC contractor, since acquired) and held
pivotal business development roles at KPMG’s Emerging Markets Group, RTI International,
PATH, as well as Fidelity Investments and Noblis. A recognized expert in business development
consulting, she’s authored several articles and is five-time invited presenter at international
conferences on proposal management, competitive intelligence, and business development.

Resources
https://blumont.org/
https://www.internationaldevelopmentgroup.com/
https://www.acdivoca.org/

LEARN MORE
Thank you for tuning into this episode of the Aid Market Podcast. You can learn more about
working with USAID by visiting our homepage: Konektid International and AidKonekt. To
connect with our team directly, message the host Mike Shanley on LinkedIn.

Host Michael Shanley is joined by Shannon Green, a senior advisor to the administrator for the USAID's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance, and Barbara Smith, who manages democracy, human rights, conflict resolution, and rule of law programs at the Carter Center. 

In this episode, they delve into prominent issues and explore the actions taken in response. Additionally, they discuss the current administration's priorities, election integrity, AI’s role, and localization efforts and retrospectively examine our past and present progress.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:00] Mike begins by sharing who is on today's podcast and an update from Dean Fritz Meyer of the Denver Democracy Summit
• [09:06] Shannon discusses what her role is at the USAID's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Governance and what is happening there
• [19:28] Barbara shares how this administration is currently prioritizing this work that Shannon shared and compares where we were to where we are
• [26:15] Discussion of USAID Forward and localization and the role AI plays
• [38:38] Discussion of the National Security Council
• [44:08] Question from a partner regarding Save the Children and the Global Fragility Act
• [46:47] Question from a listener on how the DRG is promoted versus what is done on counter-authoritarianism
• [50:41] Questions from two listeners regarding traditional humanitarian and USAID priorities
• [55:12] Barbara and Shannon leave the listeners with important thoughts 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• People from all over the world hunger for freedom.
• The USAID is harnessing its development assistance to promote accountable states, active citizens and rights-respecting societies.
• Brazen attempts at stealing elections are a problem in Africa. 

RESOURCES:

Shannon Green - USAID website

Barbara Smith - Carter Center Website

Fritz Mayer LinkedIn

Recorded: November 10. 2022

Join us for this event to hear from our expert panelists on what the US mid-term election results (8 November 2022) might mean for USAID funding. We will discuss:
- What role does Congress play in USAID funding?
- How might the election results affect USAID's work over the next couple years?
- What can USAID partners do now to respond to the election results?
- What do the results signal for the Presidential election in 2024?

We are excited to co-host this event with Konektid International.

Panelist bios:

Suzanne M. Sullivan
Owner - SMS Strategic Services, LLC

SMS Strategic Services, LLC, a woman-owned small business which offers business development and project management expertise in conflict and transition areas for government, non-profit, and private sector clients. With more than 21 years of experience, we work with partners to build business strategies and deliver meaningful solutions in governance; HA; political transition; infrastructure; civil society; grants; and applied technology.

Christy Hollywood
Chief Operating Officer - Konektid International

Christy Hollywood supports Konektid clients and consultants with skills honed during 20+ years of leadership in international development, professional services, and consulting organizations. She led a successful consulting firm of her own for 11 years. Previously, she served as Vice President for BD of Cardno (a large USAID and MCC contractor, since acquired) and held pivotal business development roles at KPMG’s Emerging Markets Group, RTI International, and PATH.

Chuck Pope- Pope International
Integrated Development Solutions was founded and is led by Charles S. “Chuck” Pope, a former USAID Foreign Service Contracting Officer and senior leader at the Agency. PI believes in, seeks, forms and nurtures partnerships, providing the following services to its partners: International Aid & Development; Business Development; Acquisition & Assistance Support; Capacity Building; Capture Management; Compliance & Risk Management; Program & Project Management; and Course & Curriculum Development.

Christy Hollywood, Chief Operating Officer, Konektid International; Chuck Pope, Pope International, CEO; Suzanne Sullivan, Senior Consultant; Joe Miklosi, Bridge Consulting, CEO

ABOUT THE HOST:

The podcast is hosted by Mike Shanley, Founder and CEO of Konektid International and AidKonekt Data, the leading USAID partner support firms that help clients to grow their USAID funding portfolios. Mike has nearly two decades of experience in working with USAID projects and funding opportunities. His USAID funding expertise has been recognized by the largest aid and development associations, partners, and conferences, including by USAID, Devex, British Expertise International, AidEx, and by the Society for International Development-US where he also serves as Board Member.

Websites:

Konektid International: www.konektid.com

AidKonekt Data: https://www.aidkonekt.com/usaid-biz-dev

Connect with Mike Shanley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konektid-usaid-specialists/

Ambassador Cindy Courville joins Mike Shanley to discuss her work as the first Ambassador for the African Union. She talks about what it was like to enter into that role and how she worked with African Leaders to ensure their voices were heard, as well as what it meant to them to have someone assigned to Africa. Ambassador Courville describes the way the relationships have changed throughout different Presidencies and that it is critical to choose our next President based on the needs of other countries. Lastly, Ambassador Courville talks about what someone looking to get started in the development and diplomatic sector should be focused on. Tune in to learn more about the African Union. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:49] What is Ambassador Courville’s view on global security?

• [2:43] What does she see as the interplay between intelligence and development in promoting development outcomes? 

• [5:32] What was Ambassador Courville’s experience being the first Ambassador to the African Union and what was her role?

• [9:25] How have the policies changed since the first implemented policies?

• [14:28] What did it mean to the African Leaders to have an Ambassador assigned to them?

• [16:25] Has there been momentum on the foundation of engagement with African nations and leaders under the Biden administration? 

• [19:56] How do the current African leaders see geopolitical options to them in the US, China, and other nations?

• [24:26] What is Ambassador Courville’s insight on good development and the importance of interagency work?

• [27:25] What is Ambassador Courville’s insight to someone that wants to cut development funding or diplomatic funding?

• [31:53] Ambassador Courville’s advice for someone getting started in the development or diplomatic sector.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• If we fall or shift to a more authoritarian situation, that is not in the best interest of African countries or developing countries in general. 

• We need to have a democracy and a leadership that is focused on maintaining democracy, not curtailing the rights and freedoms of Americans. 

• The more politically and economically stable we are, the less you have to use other tools, and you only want to use those other tools in the most extreme situations. 

QUOTES:

• [21:35] “The Africans have been extremely forgiving and understanding. I would say, extremely democratic in their outlook, so they recognize the dynamics and shifts on a level that the average American just doesn’t get. I’m not just talking the leadership of Africa, but the people themselves, and so you can’t expect them not to engage.” - Ambassador Cindy Courville

• [24:33] “If I were writing the policy for USAID today, or for the administration, not just for Africa, but in general, I would say we need to increase the size of USAID. USAID’s mission is so huge, but the number of personnel and NGOs are great, but we need more continuity in that process.” - Ambassador Cindy Courville

• [31:19] “We haven't resolved our civil war issues, women’s issues, all of those things that are fundamentally part of a democracy.” - Ambassador Cindy Courville

RESOURCES:

NSL4A Steering Committee 

Aid Market Podcast

Aid Market Podcast YouTube

BIOGRAPHY:

Ambassador (retired) Cindy Courville, Ph.D. currently serves on the executive board of the National Security Executives and Professional Association (NSEPA) and as a member of the Steering Committee of the Leadership Council for Women in National Security (LCWINS).  Previously Ambassador Courville served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Social Science Foundation Board for the Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver.

Within the U.S. government national security enterprise Ambassador Courville has served in a number of positions for nearly 20 years in the Department of State, the National Security Council, the Defense Intelligence Agency , and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.  In the academic arena,  Ambassador Courville taught at the National Intelligence University, Occidental College, and Hanover College.

Ambassador Courville served as the first U.S. Ambassador to the African Union where she was significantly instrumental in organizing and managing the fiftieth U.S. mission in Africa from November 2006-May 2008.  She led the U.S., European Union, and Non-African Observer countries negotiating efforts to design and implement the Strategic Planning Management Unit to support the African Union Mission to Somalia.  Also, she facilitated engagements with the ambassadors from Algeria, Ethiopia, and Uganda to develop a strategic engagement plan for the launch and sustainment of a Ugandan People’s Defense Force led African Union peacekeeping mission to Somalia. In addition, Ambassador Courville led a team of experts that developed a Disaster Readiness Program.  Under her leadership, this effort was fully funded at $1 million to assist the African Union in the creation of a standardized, coordinated system to monitor, address and remedy humanitarian crises in Africa.

From 2004 – 2006 at the National Security Council (NSC), Dr. Courville served as the Special Assistant to the President of the United States and Senior Director for African Affairs.  She was responsible for developing and implementing critical strategic bilateral U.S. – Africa policy and relations that contributed to the advancement of U.S.- Africa political, economic, military partnerships, and security alliances.  Dr. Courville served as the White House and NSC lead working in collaboration  with the Nigerian government and the Special Court for Sierra Leone Office of the Prosecutor that helped bring  former  Liberian President Charles Taylor to justice for war crimes at The Hague.  In addition, Dr. Courville led the NSC interagency process that resulted in the U.S. training, airlifting and deployment of African Union troops in Darfur.  Also, she helped to create  and launch the Corporate Council on Africa, a public private partnership in support of the Presidential Malaria Initiative.

Ambassador Cindy Courville received her Ph.D. and M.A. in international studies from the University of Denver and received her M.A. and B.A. in political science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.  Also, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Louisiana, selected as  the Korbel School of International Studies 2014 Alumni of the Decade, and received the University of Denver Alumni Association Professional Achievement Award. Ambassador Courville is a Shell Oil Fellow, Ford Foundation Post-Doctoral Fellow, International Career and Advancement Fellow and Department of Defense Executive Leadership Development Fellow.

Recorded: September 14, 2021

 Join us for a virtual conversation with USAID's COVID Task Force. We look forward to hosting this event with their team to update the USAID partner community on their important work. This is also a great opportunity for new USAID partners to learn more about this crucial initiative.

Learn more about USAID's COVID response here:
https://www.usaid.gov/coronavirus

Panelist Bios:

Shanda Steimer, Director, Center for Nutrition at USAID

Shanda Steimer is a career member of the United States Foreign Service with more than 20 years of development experience. Ms. Steimer has worked for USAID since 2002 and is currently detailed to the USAID COVID-19 Task Force, serving as the Pillar Lead for Programs and Strategic Planning. She is a health officer by background and has served in Mali, Nepal, Pakistan, Uganda, Washington and Zambia, managing a diverse range of USAID portfolios primarily in health, but also in education, Feed the Future, Energy, Food for Peace and the Environment. Before joining the Task Force, Ms. Steimer was the Director for the Center for Nutrition in the Bureau for Resilience and Food Security. Prior to joining USAID, Ms. Steimer worked for various international organizations, the private sector and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guinea. Ms. Steimer has a Master of Public Health degree in maternal and child health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.


Stephanie Fugate, Program Operations, COVID-19 Task Force at USAID

Stephanie Fugate is currently the Program Operations/Management/Budget Lead for the USAID COVID Task Force (on detail from her role as Division Chief, Professional Development and Training). With over 15 years in international development, in both the public and private sector, she has served as Branch Chief/Supervisory Contracting Officer with USAID's Special Initiatives and Development Partners division, and Contracting Officer with USAID's Bureau of Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance. She also held the role of USAID's first Coordinator for the Acquisition and Assistance Innovation Lab and remains a USAID Agency Innovation Advocate (AIA) to this day. Previously she held Contracting and Program Officer roles with the U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Technical Assistance/Revenue Administration and Policy team which sits within the Treasury's International Affairs bureau where she was assigned to the Africa and Caribbean regions. Prior to joining the public sector, she worked for Chemonics International, Inc. where she was a Business Development Manager for the Africa region focused mainly on Eastern and Southern Africa.

Ms. Fugate is a member of the NCMA Board of Advisors and holds a BA in International Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a MA in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University.


Chuck Pope, A&A Strategy Lead, COVID-19 Task Force at USAID

Charles S. “Chuck” Pope is the Senior Regional Advisor for the Middle East at USAID. Prior to that, he served as Chief of Operations in the Global Health Bureau providing senior leadership to the COVID-19 Response and current and future Supply Chain programming. Previous to that, he served the bureau as Deputy Assistant Administrator leading policy, programs, planning, innovation and systems.
He started his career overseas in Russia as a Peace Corps volunteer attached to Moscow City Administration (Zelenograd Prefecture) working on NGO development. Afterwards, he went to work for IREX in Central Asia on the State Department’s Internet Access and Training Program. IREX would later promote Chuck to Regional Director of the Caucasus overseeing all programs in the region.

Peace Corps subsequently hired him as Administrative Officer to restart the program in Uzbekistan, which had been closed following 9/11. The program would grow to become one of the largest Peace Corps posts, with Chuck also serving a stint as acting Country Director.

After his tour, the Peace Corps put Chuck in charge of training new Administrative Officers for overseas assignments. During this time, he also served the agency as the Financial and Administrative Officer of the Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts, the historic deployment of the Peace Corps domestically.

Chuck joined USAID's Foreign Service in 2007 and has served in Russia, Afghanistan, Tanzania and India.

Prior to public service, Chuck grew up on his family’s farm in Kansas and was an accomplished athlete, winning collegiate national championships as both a player and a coach, and garnering all-American accolades at the junior college level before going on to start at Baylor University as center on the football team.

ABOUT THE HOST:

The podcast is hosted by Mike Shanley, Founder and CEO of Konektid International and AidKonekt Data, the leading USAID partner support firms that help clients to grow their USAID funding portfolios. Mike has nearly two decades of experience in working with USAID projects and funding opportunities. His USAID funding expertise has been recognized by the largest aid and development associations, partners, and conferences, including by USAID, Devex, British Expertise International, AidEx, and by the Society for International Development-US where he also serves as Board Member.

Websites:

Konektid International: www.konektid.com

AidKonekt Data: https://www.aidkonekt.com/usaid-biz-dev

Connect with Mike Shanley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konektid-usaid-specialists/

Alice Albright, CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), joins Mike Shanley to discuss MCC's role in US foreign policy, key MCC accomplishments, future countries and sectors of work, and how organizations can partner with MCC.

RESOURCES:

- MCC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/millennium-challenge-corporation

- MCC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccgov/

- Doing Business with MCC: https://www.mcc.gov/work-with-us/mcc-business/

- MCC Business Forecast: https://www.mcc.gov/resources/doc/report-business-forecast/

- Procurements on sam.gov

BIOGRAPHY:

Alice P. Albright is the Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation where she provides strategic leadership and vision to the agency helping deliver on programmatic priorities. Ms. Albright has more than 30 years of international experience in the private, non-profit and public sectors.

Prior to MCC, Ms. Albright served as the CEO of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). As a political appointee of the Obama Administration, between 2009 and 2013, she was the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank). Beforehand, she was the Chief Financial and Investment Officer for the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI). Prior to working in international development and government, Ms. Albright was a banker focusing on emerging markets, working principally at J.P. Morgan.

Ms. Albright has served on two G7 Gender Equality Advisory Councils, appointed first by the President of France for the 2019 G7 and subsequently by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for the 2021 G7. Additionally, she has served on the Boards of Williams College and Mercersburg Academy.

Ms. Albright received her MIA from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and her BA from Williams College. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

LEARN MORE

Thank you for tuning into this episode of the Aid Market Podcast. You can learn more about working with USAID by visiting our homepage: Konektid International and AidKonekt. To connect with our team directly, message the host Mike Shanley on LinkedIn.

Michael Nyenhuis, CEO of UNICEF USA joins Mike Shanley to discuss the work UNICEF does both in the USA and globally. Michael discusses the various partnerships between UNICEF USA and governments, local organizations, as well as private sectors. He highlights the importance of funding and explains why flexibility from donors is key, so that UNICEF can fund projects and spread resources where they are needed. Michael predicts what the aid and development landscape will look like in the next 5 years and why protecting and funding foreign aid programs globally is essential for support. Tune in to learn more about UNICEF USA and how organizations can support their mission to see that every child is healthy, educated, protected, and respected. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:01] What is UNICEF’s work globally and where does UNICEF USA fit into that work?

• [4:28] What is UNICEF’s work with the vaccination campaign and the work they’ve done with Polio? 

• [7:40] What does UNICEF’s partnerships with governments look like? 

• [10:05] How does UNICEF partner with local NGOs?

• [11:56] What are some of the most pressing needs for the current state of aid?

• [14:56] Does Michael see the role of NGOs changing and the way donors should look at their roles? 

• [18:56] What does Michael see as the opportunities for evolution or development with organizations funding mechanisms? 

• [21:00] Michael predicts what the aid and development landscape and market ecosystem will look like in 5 years. 

• [24:10] How does UNICEF see localization? 

• [27:01] How does UNICEF define what a local partner is? 

• [31:36] What is the importance of protecting and funding foreign aid programs globally? 

• [35:47] How do private sector partnerships come to be? 

• [41:46] Does Michael have any advice for smaller organizations that are seeking partnership with UNICEF?

• [45:10] What does Michael see as his role as CEO of UNICEF USA?

• [50:28] What does a typical day look like for Michael? 

• [52:23] How can leaders of NGOs be prepared for the uncertainty in the next 5-10 years?

• [55:00] What are Michael’s thoughts on AI?

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Donors are needed that are willing to trust UNICEF to use resources where they are needed. 

• We have a responsibility as a wealthy country with resources to help those in other parts of the world who don’t share in the riches that we have, and don’t share the privileges and opportunities we’ve had. 

• We can’t isolate ourselves and only care about the country we’re in anymore. This is a global world and we are global citizens and neighbors. 

• The world has changed a lot and is changing faster all the time. We need to think about how we change systems, change policy, and change philanthropy to be more trust-based and more flexible to deal with the equity crisis that exists. 

QUOTES:

• [1:29] “Our goal is to see that every child is healthy, educated, protected, and respected.” - Michael Nyenhuis

• [6:18] “UNICEF is the largest single supplier of vaccines in the world. We vaccinate 45% of the world’s under five children every year with all the basic vaccines that they need.” - Michael Nyenhuis

• [30:29] “If the international NGOs don’t see the local NGOs as competitors now for this resource, but truly as partners to help invest in and help grow and build capacity, then I think they can work together really well in order to attract the kinds of resources that can make a difference in their countries.” - Michael Nyenhuis

RESOURCES:

Humanitarian Aid for Children in Crisis | UNICEF USA

Michael Nyenhuis's LinkedIn   

Aid Market Podcast

Aid Market Podcast YouTube

BIOGRAPHY:

Michael J. Nyenhuis is the President and CEO of UNICEF USA, bringing in over 25 years of global humanitarian and development experience, fundraising acumen and proven results to this role. Before joining UNICEF USA, Nyenhuis was the president and CEO of Americares, a position he held since 2014. Nyenhuis was CEO of the global nonprofit MAP International for 13 years prior. A former journalist with a passion for global health, he previously served on USAID’s Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid and chaired the board of the Integral Alliance, a global network of faith-based NGOs. He also currently serves on the board of InterAction, the largest coalition of U.S.-based relief and development organizations working internationally, and the leadership council at Concordia, an organization and forum that promotes cross-sector partnerships for social impact. A Minnesota native, Nyenhuis holds a Masters in Business Administration from Emory University and Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and Communications from University of Wisconsin Green Bay.

The Aid Market Podcast, hosted by Mike Shanley, explores USAID growth strategies, including bootstrapping, external investment, and mergers & acquisitions (M&A). Guests Keith Ives, CEO of Causal Design, and Santiago Sedaca, President of Empower International Development, share their experiences and insights.

Edward Williams,  partner at Williams LLP, joins the conversation to discuss legal considerations in M&A. The discussion concludes with Christy Hollywood, COO of Konektid, who provides a summary of the key takeaways.

Throughout the episode, guests share their experiences and insights on regulatory compliance, due diligence, and the importance of relationships in government contracting. The conversation also emphasizes the value of M&A for career opportunities and impactful development work, highlighting the legal and financial considerations involved. Clear communication, cultural fit, and market understanding are highlighted as crucial factors in ensuring successful acquisitions.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:44] Keith Ives reflects on his educational and business background, culminating in his being a founding partner in Causal Design.
• [06:24] Keith discusses the importance of relationships and attendance at industry events. He also comments on the importance of independent CPA-reviewed financials. 
• [15:36] When should a firm start sponsoring events? 
• [18:23] Santiago Sedaca discusses mergers and acquisitions in the USAID market, and he reflects on the acquisition of his company by Palladium. 
• [25:20] Santiago describes the process of a merger or acquisition and how to prepare for them. 
• [36:17] Mike asks if localization plays into acquisitions, and Santiago comments on private equity firms buying up small businesses. 
• [41:46] Keith comments on not being a small business if acquired and doing a test run with contracts. Santiago points out that culture is a factor. 
• [46:52] Edward Williams describes what happens when a client wants to merge with or acquire another firm and whether there are additional complications if a non-US firm intends to acquire a US firm.  
• [55:54] Christy Hollywood shares her takeaways from today’s conversation. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Building strong relationships with prime contractors and key players in the industry is crucial for success in the USAID market. Attending industry events and networking can open doors and create opportunities for collaboration.
• In USAID contracting and international development, successful mergers hinge on factors like net income, reputation, and strong market relationships. Cultural fit is vital, and post-acquisition success requires careful integration planning. The sector's low net income margins and minimal involvement of investments or private equity present unique challenges in M&A activities.
• The importance of understanding the "why" behind mergers and acquisitions, as it can be a mission-driven decision, not just a financial one. This understanding can provide opportunities for career advancement and better development work.

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast

Mike Shanley - LinkedIn

Causal Design - Website

Keith Ives - LinkedIn

Santiago Sedaca - LinkedIn

Williams LLP - Website

Edward Williams - LinkedIn

Konektid - Website

Christy Hollywood - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHIES

Santiago Sedaca Executive experience in thriving organizations (CARANA, Palladium, DT Global, Wise Responder) leading strategy, developing top performing teams, and managing large technical, business development and operations teams (1000+ people), producing market-leading financial results and social impact (managed $100 million+ P&L). Expert innovator in international development and commercial strategies in emerging markets, working across a range of disciplines with a strong track record in public-private partnerships, sustainability, innovative finance, private sector development, improved governance and natural resource management. Business Development track record, selling more than $700 million in new projects in the last ten years, with networks within USAID, FCDO, DFAT, MCC, DFC, multilateral agencies, and corporations, having worked in more than forty countries.

Edward Williams is a powerful and efficient advocate for his clients. Since 2015, Super Lawyer has rated him a Rising Star in the area of commercial litigation.An experienced attorney with a long history of success in trial practice and transactional matters, T. Edward Williams is a skilled business attorney who have litigated cases involving in variety of business litigation cases, including partnership and shareholder disputes, employment law, uniform commercial code law, oil and gas law, and securities law. Edward is also skilled in bankruptcy and international arbitration matters.Edward has represented American and foreign companies in matters involving the Defend Trade Secrets Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, among others.

Keith Ives is a project and policy leader passionate about evidence-based decision-making in development economics and humanitarian response. Before bringing the Causal Design team together, he consulted for The World Bank and worked for Georgetown University’s Initiative on Innovation, Development, and Evaluation (gui2de) designing mobile phone-based surveys and managing randomized trials in Kenya and Nigeria. Keith has designed evaluations for the Liberian and Rwandan Ministries of Agriculture, executed a growth diagnostic for the Kurdistan Regional Government, coordinated humanitarian responses in Haiti, Nigeria, and the United States, managed economic development projects in Kenya and Burkina Faso, and led Marines during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Christy Hollywood supports Konektid clients and consultants with skills honed during 20+ years of leadership in international development, professional services, and consulting organizations. She led a successful consulting firm of her own for 11 years. Earlier, she served as Vice President for BD of Cardno (a large USAID and MCC contractor, since acquired) and held pivotal business development roles at KPMG’s Emerging Markets Group, RTI International, PATH, as well as Fidelity Investments and Noblis. A recognized expert in business development consulting, she’s authored several articles and is five-time invited presenter at international conferences on proposal management, competitive intelligence, and business development.

Former USAID Administrator and President & CEO of the Wilson Center, Mark Green joins Mike Shanley to discuss various topics around USAID. Mark explains his role as the USAID Administrator and the importance of USAID. He talks about humanitarian funding and how it affects long term development funding. Mark describes the war in Ukraine, and what it has been like to be the feet on the ground when tragedy strikes and how USAID is needed. Mark shares his advice for the next administration, explaining where more support is needed. Lastly, Mark talks about initiatives and programs that don’t have broad political support, and why that support is needed. Tune in to learn more about USAID and how their work impacts all areas of the world. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:33] What does Mark say to those who question the role or need for USAID or Foreign AID?

• [4:24] What are the priorities in the role for USAID, MCC and other foreign aid? 

• [8:03] Mark discusses how the initiatives that he started have evolved or developed with the current administration. 

• [12:50] How does Mark see humanitarian funding affecting long term development funding?

• [18:45] How did they frame the alternative development models offered by China as developing priorities and going through the procurement process? 

• [23:18] What is the current state of the war in Ukraine?

• [30:47] What did a typical day look like for Mark as the USAID Administrator? 

• [32:56] What did Mark look for to help him make the right decisions in his leadership role?

• [39:26] What would Mark’s advice be for the next administration? 

• [41:05] What are some of the initiatives, activities or programs that don’t have broad, political support in the U.S.?

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• USAID helps to grow partners, foster relationships, and build the capacity of other nations to join with USAID and take on their country’s challenges. 

• The American dream isn’t just the American dream. It’s the universal dream, and we have to make sure that we invest in that, and that’s where development assistance comes in. 

• USAID largely goes unnoticed, but they are essential to the work the U.S. does in other countries. They are the feet on the ground and they make huge impacts with their partnerships in other countries. 

QUOTES:

• [1:48] “When I first began, I was asked by outsiders why USAID matters. I said, look, if we do this right, foreign assistance and development assistance can help us address just about every one of our foreign policy challenges.” - Ambassador Mark Green

• [13:01] “There is a real danger that humanitarian assistance will begin to cannibalize development assistance, and some of it is completely understandable. Humanitarian assistance responds to emergency needs, and there are emergencies right now, perhaps greater than we’ve ever seen, so it’s natural.” - Ambassador Mark Green

• [39:27] “I think the administrator has to sharpen the tools in the toolbox, and then it is the White House, it's the President and the Secretary of State that will help to guide where those tools are deployed and for what end. I believe that development tools can be used to help address just about every challenge that we see in the world today. They aren't by themselves necessarily the answer, but they're part of the answer. And I think that’s key.” - Ambassador Mark Green

RESOURCES:

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Ambassador Mark Green - LinkedIn

Aid Market Podcast

Aid Market Podcast YouTube

BIOGRAPHY:

Ambassador Mark Green (ret.) serves as the President and CEO of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, an institution chartered by Congress to “strengthen the fruitful learning between the world of learning and the world of public affairs.” He has served as the Administrator of the US Agency for International Development where he used America’s development and humanitarian tools to help countries on their “journey to self-reliance.” He also served as Executive Director of the McCain Institute and President/CEO of the International Republican Institute. Green served as the U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania (mid-2007 to early 2009), and before that, he served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Wisconsin’s 8th District. He has been honored for his work by the Republics of Tanzania and Colombia, and institutions including the Scowcroft Institute at Texas A&M and Georgetown University.

James Richardson, former Director of the Office of Foreign Assistance, joins Mike Shanley to discuss the Role of the State Department under Trump II, foreign assistance priorities, budget implications, and intra-government coordination.

BIOGRAPHY:

James “Jim” Richardson is the Executive Director to the 70th Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, working various ventures and programs. He is also the Executive Chairman of The Pompeo Foundation, a 501c(3) dedicated to thoughtful discussion and education on some of the world's toughest challenges.

He was previously Director of the Office of Foreign Assistance at the U.S. Department of State. On behalf of the Secretary of State, he coordinated $35 billion in foreign assistance across the State Department and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), ensuring policy, performance, and budget alignment. He was also responsible for foreign assistance strategic planning, policy, and monitoring and evaluation standards.

Prior to that, Mr. Richardson served as Coordinator of USAID’s Transformation Task Team. He led the historic reorganization to reshape the Agency around the principle of ‘Ending the Need for Foreign Assistance,’ establishing new Bureaus, policies, processes, and workforce solutions. Concurrent with his role on Transformation, Jim was Assistant to the Administrator in USAID’s Bureau for Policy, Planning and Learning (PPL). He was responsible for agency-wide strategic planning, policy development, monitoring and evaluation standards, and international donor coordination.

With over 25 years of private and government service, Mr. Richardson spearheaded numerous complex operations and developed an extensive public policy and legislative process background. He served as Chief of Staff for then-Congressman Mike Pompeo (KS-04) —overseeing Congressman Pompeo’s offices in Washington, DC, and Wichita, Kansas. He also worked with the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee for Congressman Todd Tiahrt (KS-04), the House Armed Services Committee for Congressman Jim Ryun (KS-02), and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for Senator John Ashcroft (R-MO). He began his government career with Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond (R-MO).

Mr. Richardson holds a Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies from Missouri State University and a Bachelor of Science in Government from Evangel University. He also graduated from the United States Air Force Air Command and Staff College (ACSC).

LEARN MORE

Thank you for tuning into this episode of the Aid Market Podcast. You can learn more about working with USAID by visiting our homepage: Konektid International and AidKonekt. To connect with our team directly, message the host Mike Shanley on LinkedIn.

Join host Michael Shanley on The Aid Market podcast as he sits down with former Senior USAID Official, Chuck Pope. 

In this episode, Chuck provides a deep dive into pivotal trends shaping USAID's approach, covering topics such as the emphasis on localization, the innovative New Partnerships Initiative, and the expanding role of Small Business Utilization. 

The conversation extends to the intersection of artificial intelligence in aid efforts, offering a glimpse into the transformative potential that technology brings to the forefront.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:00] Chuck describes the catastrophic staffing crisis at the USAID
• [06:42] Changes expect to see in light of the current global context 
• [11:02]  4-part infographics solution:  what's the problem, what's the proposed solution, what's the policy, and what's the precedent
• [13:05]  Context relating to localization and discusses the New Partnerships Initiative
• [26:34]  Partnering with veteran owned US small businesses
• [35:32]  Views on Ukraine and Zelensky’s administration 
• [49:07] Whart happens if there is a government shutdown on September 30th and how essential and non-essential employees are determined
• [55:15] How does the 2024 election affect USAID 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Even with Republican Leadership in 2025, the localization agenda will continue.
• USAID’s biggest problem is staffing.

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast

Mike Shanley - LinkedIn

Pope International -  Website

Chuck Pope - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY: 

Pope International | Integrated Development Solutions was founded and is led by Charles S. “Chuck” Pope, a former USAID Foreign Service Contracting Officer and senior leader at the Agency. Chuck started his development career in Russia, becoming a Russian speaker and spending most of his career either in the former Soviet Union or countries with historical ties to Russia. His overseas tours in the Foreign Service were in Russia, Afghanistan, Tanzania and India. As a senior Contracting Officer, Chuck supported previous versions of current initiatives like Localization and Private Sector Engagement and personally signed the New Partnerships Initiative into force. Chuck served on both COVID-19 task forces as an acting Deputy Assistant Administrator and Chief of Operations in the Global Health Bureau. His final senior leadership assignment at the Agency before retirement last year was as Senior Regional Advisor for the Middle East. Chuck’s company embodies his strong belief in seeking, forming, and nurturing partnerships by providing the following high-quality services to its partners: International Aid & Development; Business Development; Acquisition & Assistance Support; Capacity Building, Capture Management; Compliance and risk Management; Program & Project Management; and Course & Curriculum Development. Partner with him today at https://pope.international/

This Aid Market Podcast episode features an interview with Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee, focusing on her peacebuilding work in Liberia and offering advice to peacebuilding organizations and donors. The conversation touches on the success factors of her peace movement, the role of international organizations in conflict prevention, and the challenges faced by grassroots women's organizations.

Thank you to Ebenezer Norman and A New Dimension of Hope (https://ndhope.org/) for co-hosting this episode.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:18] Leymah discusses the success factors of her peace movement, highlighting the unity of the group and their shared ambition to end the war as key drivers.

• [04:41] The discussion shifts to the role of large donors like USAID and the UN, where Leymah criticizes the way funding is often channeled through middle or large humanitarian organizations instead of directly supporting grassroots organizations.

• [07:12] The episode concludes with information on how to support Leymah Gbowee's organization, the Gbowee Peace Foundation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• The success of Leymah Gbowee's peace movement in Liberia was driven by the unity of the group, which transcended divisions and brought together people from various backgrounds, including different religious and political affiliations.

• Large international donors should direct more funding and support to grassroots organizations, especially those led by women, which often face challenges in accessing resources due to their lack of formal registration.

• Those interested in supporting Leymah Gbowee's organization can visit the Gbowee Peace Foundation's website or social media profiles to donate or learn more about their work.

Quotes: 

"Our ability to transcend the issues that divided us, we recognize that we have more to gain by being together, and we have a lot more to lose by being apart." - Leymah Gbowee

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast 

Mike Shanley - LinkedIn

Gbowee Peace Foundation

A New Dimension of Hope Website

Co-Host: https://www.ndhope.org/

Leymah Roberta Gbowee (Leymah Roberta Gbowee was born on February 1, 1972, in Monrovia, Liberia.  She was seventeen years old when the Liberian civil war started and turned her, in her own words, “from a child into an adult in a matter of hours.” Inspired by a dream and as a person of faith, she organized her fellow Christian women to mobilize for peace. She then collaborated with a Muslim partner to build an unprecedented coalition with Muslim women, giving rise to the interfaith movement known as the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace (which operated under the auspices of WIPNET). 

(Source: https://gboweepeaceafrica.org/our-story)

Senior Advisor for Localization in the Office of the USAID Administrator, Sarah Rose joins Mike Shanley to discuss how localization and locally led development works within USAID. Sarah explains how USAID measures success and why partnerships and working with local communities is critical to meeting their goals. She explains how USAID partners with major global aid donors and how they fit within the broader US Government foreign policy context. Sarah shares some success stories where USAID has been able to make an impact utilizing localization and what she is looking forward to seeing in the future. Tune in to learn more about the work USAID does and how partners can continue to drive success. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:09] What do the terms localization and locally led development mean to the teams of USAID?

• [3:10] How has localization shifted across administration and how does USAID implement the priorities? 

• [8:50] How does USAID measure success of localization work? 

• [13:38] What are the changes around locally led development and humanitarian response? 

• [18:35] What are some challenges that USAID has faced while trying to implement some ambitious localization activities and priorities? 

• [21:20] How does USAID work with major global aid donors?

• [23:50] How do USAID partners fit into localization? 

• [29:23] How does Sarah see USAIDs role fitting into the broader US Government foreign policy context? 

• [31:38] Sarah shares some success stories where localization has worked.

• [37:11] What is the difference with how USAID and DC headquarters work with localization and partners overseas?

• [42:00] What are some of the future projects and partnerships Sarah is excited about and how will USAID measure success? 

• [49:20] What are some key takeaways Sarah would like partners to walk away with from this conversation? 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Local ownership and local leadership is critical for effectiveness and for sustainability. 

• Locally led development is important for greater effectiveness, greater sustainability, and importantly for greater equity in development and humanitarian work.

• A joint commitment between USAID and their partners is important because no one team has all the answers or all of the tools or systems. It’s critical that everyone works together toward a common goal and that they learn from one another. 

QUOTES:

• [22:38] “This joint commitment is really important because individually none of us has all the answers or all the tools, so it’s really critical to make sure that we’re working toward common goals and to learn from one another as we go as well.” - Sarah Rose

• [30:37] “If we’re talking about investments that we hope will be effective in advancing these priorities, thinking about locally led development is the best way to ensure that our investments, or to maximize the possibility that our investments will really help support some of these lasting development issues or really strengthen local systems to do. That ends up being a really important criteria or context as well.” - Sarah Rose

• [51:49] “We also very importantly and crucially need to continue to be able to listen to those local communities, stakeholders, governments, etc on how they want this to continue to look.” - Sarah Rose

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast

Aid Market Podcast YouTube

Mike Shanley LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

Sarah Rose is the Senior Advisor for Localization in the Office of the USAID Administrator. Prior to coming to USAID, she was a policy fellow at the Center for Global Development, where her research focused on US development policy and aid effectiveness, including localization. Previously, Sarah was a monitoring and evaluation specialist in the health office of the USAID Mission in Mozambique. She also worked at the Millennium Challenge Corporation in the Department of Policy and Evaluation.

Join us for another discussion on the key trends and funding changes in the USAID and other aid donor markets. In this episode we discuss how USAID partner organizations are prioritizing “locally-led development” in their programs and operations. We also dive into how this localization initiative from Administrator Samantha Power’s team, and compares with previous USAID Administrations.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:00] Patrick talks about Christian Aid UK, their work around the world, and then what locally-led means to his team
• [05:12] Patrick explains ways they are working to lead locally-led development 
• [12:45] David talks about Save the Children’s work
• [16:47] David gives advice to partners who want to engage with local partners
• [19:18] Panel discussion of partnering strategy with local and international partners
• [22:18] Jonathan talks about Counterpart and the services they provide to partners and how important relationship building is
• [34:51] Patrick discusses their work with local partners 
• [39:34] David talks about the localization and the aid market
• [42:17] Jonathan discusses proposal development and localization
• [53:19] Christy’s Corner: Christy summarizes three key takeaways from this episode for USAID partners
  
  
  

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Locally led development emphasizes shifting power and decision-making to local communities, organizations, and individuals.
• Principles of partnership, sustainability, and inclusion are crucial in locally led development, focusing on meaningful relationships, sustainable outcomes, and inclusivity.
• Engaging with local partners effectively means moving beyond tactical relationships, starting early in business development, and defining clear partnership principles and commitments.

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast

Mike Shanley - LinkedIn

Christian Aid UK - Website

Save The Children - Website

David Barth - LinkedIn

Jonathan Hill - LinkedIn

Counterpart - Website

Konektid - Website

Christy Hollywood - LinkedIn

Brittany Brown, Acting Assistant to the Administrator of USAID’s Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization, joins Mike Shanley to discuss the Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI). OTI has been an ongoing effort for 30 years, and Brittany shares some of their successes with working in other countries. Localization is a large aspect of the work that OTI is focused on, by working with local partners and change makers to ensure that everyone has a buy-in on the project a grant is funding. OTI partners with the National Security Council, State Department, and DOD in a variety of ways, and with someone from the OTI team on the Administration this year, they are seeing success with educating the government on impacts of certain decisions.  

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:17] Brittany covers some of the key successes and lessons learned across 30 years of OTI. 

• [4:00] Brittany shares an example of the OTI’s work in Libya. 

• [6:30] Brittany shares about the work that has been done in Columbia.

• [9:55] How does OTI work with local partners and what lessons can they share with other parts of USAID to best implement localization agendas and engage local partners?

• [18:22] Brittany explains how OTI engages with the National Security Council.

• [18:22] How does OTI work together with the State Department and DOD?

• [20:50] What are some of the innovations and challenges that OTI has come up with? 

• [23:00] Brittany shares what initiatives and strategies she is excited about looking forward to with OTI. 

• [28:22] Brittany talks about how impactful it is when everyone works together on a project. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• [3:30] OTI goes to countries to create a collaborative model, where everyone has buy-in. It isn’t only the U.S. Government that determines what they need, instead it is the country requesting what they need, and then everyone working together to make that happen. 

• [24:00] One of the reasons that OTI is an important organization is because they are limited and can be very targeted in the places they are engaging. They typically only have around 15 programs happening at any moment. 

• [27:26] None of us are as smart as all of us thinking together. There are a lot of creative ways that can help get things done better and differently than before, and those ideas will come with everyone working together. 

QUOTES:

• [5:00] “We started asking the displaced people, what would it take for you to return? What is it, what do you need to return to Sirte, and then we immediately started doing the things they were asking for. So that meant we were just restoring regular services. It meant just government services, it meant sewage and trash collection, it meant running water, access to running water, it meant schools actually had to be functioning. It meant healthcare systems had to be stood up. We had to start cleaning up graffiti and signage that was left over from the ISIS occupation to make people feel like they actually had a future for themselves and their kids” - Brittany Brown

• [12:44] “We don’t have the brilliant ideas. It’s actually the people who live in these communities and understand the local context, the local dynamics about what is happening, and it’s using systems that already exist in these countries.” - Brittany Brown

• [27:25] “I think government bureaucrats get a bad rap for not being innovative and creative in these different ways. Everytime I interact with anyone in this building at the state department, anywhere else, there are these big, brilliant change makers in government that are thinking about how we do things better. They also are very open to ideas from the outside.” - Brittany Brown

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast

Aid Market Podcast YouTube

BIOGRAPHY: 

Brittany Brown serves as Deputy Assistant Administrator of USAID’s Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization (CPS). She was appointed by the Biden-Harris Administration to also serve as the Director for the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) in CPS.

Prior to OTI, Brittany worked as the Chief of Staff at the International Crisis Group after more than a decade in the U.S. Government, working for a range of government agencies, including USAID, the U.S. Departments of Justice, State, and Defense, and both the Obama and Trump White Houses. She served on the staff of the National Security Council as the acting Senior Director for African Affairs under the Trump Administration, and as the National Security Council's Horn of Africa Director under President Obama.

Brittany began her government career as a Presidential Management Fellow with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Before joining the U.S. Government, she worked with juvenile detainees and children in the foster care system. She also managed a GED program for women awaiting trial at Chicago’s Cook County Jail.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology from DePaul University in Chicago and a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University.

Recorded: February 4, 2021

 A conversation with Andrew Natsios, former USAID Adminstrator on USAID under the Biden Administration. Andrew S. Natsios is an Executive Professor at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University (2012-present) and Director of the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs. He currently serves as Chair of the Program Advisory Committee for HarvestPlus, which is part of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, and as a Fellow of the Michael E. DeBakey Institute for Comparative Cardiovascular Science and Biomedical Devices at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

Andrew Natsios, former USAID Administrator:

He was previously a Distinguished Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service (2006-2012). Professor Natsios served as Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development from 2001 to January 2006. He was the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan (2006-2007) to deal with the Darfur crisis and the North-South peace agreement. He served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives (1975-1987) and in state government (1999-2001) as the Secretary of Administration and Finance. He was the CEO of the Big Dig in Boston, the largest construction project in American history after a cost-overrun scandal. Professor Natsios was VP of the NGO World Vision U.S. (1993-1998). He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves for twenty-three years, served in the Gulf War in 1991, and was a Lt. Colonel when he retired in 1995. He is a graduate of Georgetown University (BA history) and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government (MPA).
Professor Natsios, with President George H. W. Bush’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Andrew H. Card Jr., recently edited Transforming Our World: President George H. W. Bush and American Foreign Policy. This book, available in print in December 2020, brings together a distinguished collection of foreign policy practitioners—career and political—who participated in the unfolding of international events as part the Bush administration to provide insider perspective by the people charged with carrying them out.
Professor Natsios is the author of three books: U.S. Foreign Policy and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1997), The Great North Korean Famine (2001), and Sudan, South Sudan, and Darfur: What Everyone Needs to Know; collaborated on thirteen other books; and has published opinion pieces in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal. He has published twenty-eight journal articles in, among others, Foreign Affairs, the Washington Quarterly, the Foreign Service Journal, Parameters, and PRISM.

ABOUT THE HOST:

The podcast is hosted by Mike Shanley, Founder and CEO of Konektid International and AidKonekt Data, the leading USAID partner support firms that help clients to grow their USAID funding portfolios. Mike has nearly two decades of experience in working with USAID projects and funding opportunities. His USAID funding expertise has been recognized by the largest aid and development associations, partners, and conferences, including by USAID, Devex, British Expertise International, AidEx, and by the Society for International Development-US where he also serves as Board Member.

Websites:

Konektid International: www.konektid.com

AidKonekt Data: https://www.aidkonekt.com/usaid-biz-dev

Connect with Mike Shanley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konektid-usaid-specialists/

Recorded: April 18, 2023

On this episode we invited three guests with deep expertise in USAID funding and Ukraine. Our guests include former Senior USAID officials an NGO leader in Ukraine, who will share their insight on USAID's current funding for the Ukraine war. We will also discuss how to prepare to support the reconstruction. Discussion Topics: What will the Ukraine reconstruction look like? What role will USAID play? How can organizations support the reconstruction? What should organizations be doing now to position to support?

Chuck Pope - CEO Pope International; Jeff Grieco - Senior Consultant; Michael Druckman - Ukraine Director International Republican Institute

ABOUT THE HOST:

The podcast is hosted by Mike Shanley, Founder and CEO of Konektid International and AidKonekt Data, the leading USAID partner support firms that help clients to grow their USAID funding portfolios. Mike has nearly two decades of experience in working with USAID projects and funding opportunities. His USAID funding expertise has been recognized by the largest aid and development associations, partners, and conferences, including by USAID, Devex, British Expertise International, AidEx, and by the Society for International Development-US where he also serves as Board Member.

Websites:

Konektid International: www.konektid.com

AidKonekt Data: https://www.aidkonekt.com/usaid-biz-dev

Connect with Mike Shanley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konektid-usaid-specialists/

Mohamed Abdel-Kader, Chief Innovation Officer at USAID and Alexis Bonnell, Former Chief Innovation Officer at USAID, discussed the impact of AI and other machine learning tools. They explored the balance between the risks and rewards associated with these tools, reaching a consensus that AI can revolutionize USAID's impact when appropriately developed and utilized. The discussion emphasized the importance of developing AI to benefit all countries where USAID is active, not just English-speaking nations.

Recognizing the rapid advancement of machine learning, the speakers stressed the need for precision and thoughtfulness in posing questions to AI, given its evolving nature. They also addressed issues of localization, pointing out the challenges when native languages are overlooked or when communities lack access to computers.

Mike highlighted upcoming events for those interested in collaborating with USAID. On February 15th, SID-US will host its annual career fair, followed by the annual conference on April 26th in Washington, DC. He expressed his belief that this conference is a must-attend event of the year.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:53] Mike Shanley introduces today's guests and shares their backgrounds.

• [02:53] Mohamed describes his role at USAID as Chief Innovation Officer and talks about how technology is advancing with the advent of machine learning tools.

• [6:30] Mohamed touches on some of the early-use cases that he's seen of AI applications or other technologies.

• [12:47] Mohamed reflects on the potential risks AI presents and whether the good outweighs the bad.

•  [17:04] Alexis comments that we are navigating at a different rate of change in technology; therefore, we need to be intentional about how we use AI, and she provides an example of an experiment she led. 

• [26:08] Mohamed discusses the ethical development of AI, strengthening policies and systems that govern AI and accessing computing power in parts of the world where it's cost-prohibitive. 

• [31:38] Alexis discusses how the cultures and identities of different countries impact how you work with them. She describes a sector who asked themselves if they have been as innovative as they think they have been and how AI revealed a surprising result to their question.

• [38:42] Mohamad discusses the significance of localization in AI, emphasizing the interconnected nature of our world and the necessity of incorporating it into our AI tools. He notes that numerous countries are enthusiastic about AI, viewing it as a tool to propel their advancement.

• [46:00] Alexis says that there's a gold mine for all of the entities to bring unique applications to USAID, suggesting you can recycle or reuse proposals. 

• [52:34] The panelists leave advice to the listeners. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Led by Mohamed Abdel-Kader, USAID’s Innovation, Technology, and Research Hub, formerly known as the Global Development Lab, team is behind cutting edge tech development and approaches within the digital space. USAID strives to reach more people through innovative and cost effective approaches from cybersecurity, to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, digital finance, digital inclusion, and digital literacy.

• AI is an extremely powerful tool that is evolving and changing daily. With this, comes the risk that a lot of people will be left behind. But there's also tremendous opportunity in the AI space. USAID actively works to intentionally shape this technology to be useful for everyone, while exploring the practicalities of how they might achieve this goal. 

• USAID plays a unique role in fostering the ethical development of AI and other tools through various approaches. Mohamed and his team focus on utilizing the powerful tool of AI responsibly in environments where there are a lot of vulnerable people. USAID takes an ecosystem approach to discern how AI as a tool sits in the broader digital ecosystem within USAID’s partner countries and how USAID can support the responsible use of AI and continue to shape that global agenda. They do this by strengthening the underlying policies and systems and civil society environment that shapes how AI is designed, developed, and deployed in partner countries, including the quality and representative data sets that are used to build these particular tools.

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast

Aid Market Podcast YouTube

Mike Shanley - LinkedIn

Mohamed Abdel-Kader LinkedIn

Alexis Bonnell LinkedIn

Co-host Society for International Development-US

USAID_Digital Twitter

USAID Twitter

USAID Innovates Twitter

BIOGRAPHIES:

Mohamed Abdel-Kader serves as USAID’s Chief Innovation Officer and Executive Director of the Innovation, Technology, and Research Hub. In these roles, he oversees various Agency mechanisms to promote the application of innovation, technology, and research for greater aid effectiveness within USAID and the inter-agency, and with our partners in the international development community, private sector, and civil society.

Prior to USAID, Mohamed advised companies, leading NGOs and multilateral organizations, foundations and educational institutions, and government agencies in addressing their most pressing challenges. He served in the Obama administration as Deputy Assistant Secretary for International and Foreign Language Education in the U.S. Department of Education and later led the Aspen Institute’s Stevens Initiative, an international ed-tech program. He has also served several postsecondary institutions in international strategy and major gift fundraising roles.

A speaker of fluent Arabic and basic Spanish, Mohamed is a Truman National Security Fellow, an Eisenhower Fellow, and the author of a children’s book about stereotypes. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Clemson University, a Master’s degree in Higher Education from Vanderbilt University, and an MBA from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. He is also a trustee of the Longview Foundation for International Education & World Affairs.

Alexis Bonnell is the Chief Information Officer and Director of the Digital Capabilities Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory, the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. She is responsible for developing and executing the AFRL Information Technology strategy, leading the strategic development of highly advanced next generation technologies and platforms for AFRL. Her focus includes catalyzing the discovery, development, and integration of warfighting technologies for air, space, and cyberspace forces via digital capabilities, IT infrastructure and technological innovation across the lab’s operations and culture.

She was one of the first employees of the Internet Trade Association, contributing to the early development and growth of the digital landscape. She has served in challenging environments, including warzones with the United Nations to support over $1B of critical DOD operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and many other operational theaters. She has contributed to dual-use technology and innovation culture across the DOD Innovation community including: AFWERX, AFRL, Kessel Run, NavalX, Marine Innovation Unit, Army Futures Command, DIU, Army Software Factory, DARPA and more. Prior to her current position, she was the Emerging Technology Evangelist at Google, driving the use of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, cyber security/zero trust, API First, Big Data, Cloud Computing, and others to drive efficiency and innovation within government organizations, including tackling digital transformation in defense, healthcare, education, COVID response, natural disasters, supply chain, system/process modernization, hybrid workforce and more.

Bonnell co-founded the Global Development Lab, the premier innovation lab of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), leveraging Global Allied Nation partnerships in Science, Technology, and Innovation, reviewing over 25,000 game changing innovations and technologies, funding 1,200 of them. She served as USAID’s Chief Innovation Officer, receiving the first 10/10 for innovation in the Results For America Rankings. She was named in the Fed 100 in 2020. She also assisted with major platform and technology transitions, drove hybrid work adoption, countering malign nation initiatives and global cyber security programming.

Welcome to The Aid Market Podcast, where international development and humanitarian aid organizations connect to learn about funding trends and market insight. Join us as we hear from foreign aid leaders with USAID and other large donors, with updates and insight on their work. We explore topics including localization, artificial intelligence, proposal and grant funding best practices, and analyze data sources like the USAID Business Forecast.

The Aid Market podcast is your comprehensive guide to positioning your organization for success and securing vital funding from USAID and other foreign aid donors. Each episode features in-depth conversations with esteemed guests, including current and former Senior USAID officials, executives from prominent foreign aid partner organizations, and influential thought leaders in the field. Together, we delve into the pressing issues of international development and humanitarian aid, shedding light on the latest trends, strategies, and best practices. Stay informed and gain a competitive edge as we explore key topics such as funding strategies, donor priorities, partnership opportunities, and effective approaches to navigating the complex aid landscape. Our podcast equips you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions and unlock new avenues for funding. The Aid Market Podcast is your trusted and comprehensive source for actionable insights and expert advice. Tune in now and join us on this journey to maximize your organization's potential and make a lasting impact on the global stage. 

ABOUT THE HOST: The podcast is hosted by Mike Shanley, Founder and CEO of Konektid International and AidKonekt Data, the leading USAID partner support firms that help clients to grow their USAID funding portfolios. Mike has nearly two decades of experience in working with USAID projects and funding opportunities. His USAID funding expertise has been recognized by the largest aid and development associations, partners, and conferences, including by USAID, Devex, British Expertise International, AidEx, and by the Society for International Development-US where he also serves as Board Member. Konektid International Konektid has a decade of experience supporting new and established USAID partners to accelerate and streamline their business development work.

Konektid’s global team of seasoned USAID market specialists can provide surge support for your USAID proposal development, design and support your USAID market entry or growth strategy, and support other USAID partnering needs to help your team better work with USAID. AidKonekt Data AidKonekt is the trusted funding intel software for USAID partners. AidKonekt allows partners to easily monitor funding changes and track their pipeline. It also streamlines USAID market intel research, capture reports, competitor insight, and much more. Accelerate your USAID partnering with AidKonekt today! 

Websites: Konektid International: www.konektid.com AidKonekt Data: https://www.aidkonekt.com/usaid-biz-dev Connect with Mike Shanley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konektid-usaid-specialists/ The Aid Market Podcast, foreign aid, funding trends, market dynamics, USAID, foreign aid donors, international development, humanitarian aid, funding strategies, donor priorities, partnership opportunities, aid landscape, podcast, actionable insights, expert advice, maximize organization's potential, global stage.

Today, panelists, Ashley Frost and James Maloney, Deputy Directors, Office of HIV/AIDS USAID, discussed USAID’s localization initiative, locally-led development, and the importance of diversified local partners. They discuss USAID’s Global Health work, how USAID supported PEPFAR and the successes it has enjoyed, including statistics of lives saved and changed.

James Maloney and Ashley Frost share the new PEPFAR five-year strategy, the USAID Approach to HIV and Optimized Programming (AHOP). AHOP is a framework for USAID to employ assets through efficient, measured, and simplified programmatic approaches to ensure resilient and country-led approaches to the HIV response. The AHOP defines five critical pathways through which USAID will assist countries in sustaining epidemic control and accelerating progress in those that have not yet achieved the 95-95-95 goals. Each pathway outlines planned results and time-bound milestones. If this resonates with you, share successes with Congress to fund the five-year reauthorization of PEPFAR.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:32] Mike Shanley outlines key talking points regarding the accomplishments that PEPFAR has achieved over the last 20 years, delivering unprecedented impact in the global fight against HIV AIDS. 

• [02:57] Ashley Frost and James Maloney describe their roles at USAID as Deputy Directors. 

• [04:40] Discussion where funding originates, the investments they make at the primary healthcare level, and successes they have accomplished through PEPFAR, stating that USAID is the largest donor and they are advancing work in the HIV vaccine space. 

• [11:00] James shares statistics of the impact made in the world attributed to PEPFAR and reflects on the history of growth and prevention. 

• [14:50] Discussion of localization, local entities and partners and relationships within country-led staff and senior diplomats in their countries.        
  [20:06] Looking forward to goals and objectives, James discusses the AHOP framework in response to HIV. 

• [25:24] Ashley comments on the importance of keeping an open dialogue between all partners within the HIV AIDS space, and James outlines the importance of seeing the 5-year reauthorization of PEPFAR. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Oftentimes, hospitals and building new infrastructure is what gets a “ribbon cutting”, but in terms of buying the best health outcome with USAID’s investments from U.S. taxpayers, the first area of importance is investments made at a primary care level, which will most impact healthcare outcomes, saving lives and supporting healthy lives. The second thing that drives a lot of USAID’s investments across individual disease or health areas is health security.

• Much of PEPFAR’s success lies in engaging with local partners. With regard to localization, the Office of HIV AIDS and the Global Health Bureau have been the front runners in the agency and have been able to guide our agency in these spaces. Right now, about 58 percent of our resources are implemented through local entities, and those sets of partners have been diversified. Small business engagement in the U.S. is essential and has much to offer to the work we can accomplish together. More significant international partners have specific skill sets that are necessary for USAID. As we think about localization, everyone needs to think outside the box and remember that one size does not fit all. 

• By the end of 2025, the vision is to help countries reach what the USAID calls the global commitment of 95-95-95 goals. That means that 95 percent of those who have HIV know their status. 95 percent of those individuals are on treatment, and 95 percent of those individuals would be virally suppressed. The AHOP defines five critical pathways through which USAID will assist countries in attaining these goals. 

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast

Aid Market Podcast YouTube

Mike Shanley - LinkedIn

James Maloney - LinkedIn

USAID Approach to HIV and Optimized Programming

BIOGRAPHIES: 

James Maloney has served as the Deputy Director for the Office of HIV/AIDS (OHA) within the Global Health Bureau at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) since March 2020. OHA provides overall programmatic guidance for USAID’s implementation of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and oversight of $4 billion in 53 countries. In March 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, James was asked to support the National Security Council Global Health Development Directorate and serve as the Coordinator for the Ukraine and Regional Health working group. In October 2022, James was designated as the Senior Operations Official for the Global Mpox Response Team and has led coordination of the United States’ global response to mpox. Previously, James led the Supply Chain for Health Division at USAID overseeing over $700 million per year in HIV commodity procurement and supply chain management to advance HIV epidemic control and strengthen the capacity of countries to manage health supply chains. Prior to joining USAID Washington, James served as Senior Technical Advisor from 2015 to 2018 with USAID Haiti managing primary health care and supply chain programs to improve the availability, quality and utilization of health services in the areas of maternal and child health, HIV and TB, reproductive health, nutrition, and WASH. Prior to Haiti, James worked in South Africa from January 2010 with the Department of State and served as the Country Coordinator for PEPFAR and lead the U.S. Government’s interagency response to HIV/AIDS in South Africa.  

Ashley Frost joined the Office of HIV/AIDS (OHA) as Deputy Director in August 2023. As a Foreign Service Officer, she most recently served as Health Office Director for USAID/Southern Africa. Over the last decade, she has served as Deputy Director for Operations, Care and Treatment Lead, and Strategic Information (SI) Lead, supporting USAID’s PEPFAR programming in South Africa, Zambia, and Guatemala/Central America. Ashley holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and Demography from Penn State University, and her academic work includes quantitative and qualitative research in HIV, reproductive health, and gender. Before joining USAID in 2011, she worked with Congressional staff members, international researchers, policymakers, and program managers to improve evidence-based decisions for public health outcomes. She served as an education Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin, West Africa.

Fun Facts: Ashley has three sons (ages 12, 9, and 9), and they do many sports as a family! They spend their free time jogging, biking, hiking, and attending many soccer games. Ashley and her husband, Jason, are section hiking the Appalachian trail each year and have walked through Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee together. Degrees: MA, PhD in Sociology and Demography, Languages: English, Spanish, French (comprehension)

Liz Schrayer, President & CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), joins Mike Shanley to discuss election results, takeaways, and USAID funding, the impact on foreign aid and partners, USGLC analysis of results and Impact 2024 work, and what actions listeners can take.

Resources

https://www.usglc.org/

• Join your state Advisory Committee or become a coalition member

• Interested? Email Alex Grant at AGrant@usglc.org or Dana Bruce at DBruce@usglc.org

USGLC’s Global Impact Forum – June 9 & 10, 2025

• Follow USGLC on social media @USGLC and join their email list at USGLC.org

BIOGRAPHY

Liz Schrayer serves as President & CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), a broad-based coalition of over 500 businesses and NGOs that advocates for strong U.S. global leadership through development and diplomacy. Under her leadership, the USGLC has grown to a nationwide network of advocates in all 50 states and boasts a bipartisan Advisory Council that includes virtually every living former Secretary of State, and a National Security Advisory Council consisting of nearly 200 retired three and four-star generals and admirals.

Ms. Schrayer currently serves on the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation’s Development Advisory Council, USAID’s Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid (ACFVA), as well as several advisory boards and committees for the University of Michigan, including the Ford School of Public Policy. She is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

In addition to running the USGLC, Ms. Schrayer serves as President of Schrayer & Associates, Inc., a nationwide consulting firm founded in 1995, which works on a wide range of domestic and international issues.

Prior to starting her own firm, Ms. Schrayer served as the national Political Director of AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) for more than a decade. She worked on Capitol Hill, founding the Congressional Human Rights Caucus and in state government. She has traveled across the country organizing citizen advocates in every state. Ms. Schrayer has been published in TIME, Newsweek, USA Today, and The Hill, among other outlets. She has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and resides in Maryland with her husband Jeff Schwaber, an attorney who helped launch the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless.

LEARN MORE

Thank you for tuning into this episode of the Aid Market Podcast. You can learn more about working with USAID by visiting our homepage: Konektid International and AidKonekt. To connect with our team directly, message the host Mike Shanley on LinkedIn.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female elected head of state in an African nation and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate joins Mike Shanley to discuss the role of aid donors, localization, and women and development. This episode was recorded live at the Society for International Development-US Annual Dinner on 13 November 2024.

BIOGRAPHY:

Internationally known as Africa’s “Iron Lady,” President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is a leading promoter of peace, justice and democratic rule. She grew up in the Liberian capital of Monrovia, where she married and had four sons.

President Johnson Sirleaf later moved to the United States where she earned an accounting degree from the Madison College of Business and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

In her efforts to bring justice to her people in Liberia, she has spent more than a year in jail at the hands of the military dictatorship of General Samuel Doe and had her life threatened by former President Charles Taylor. She campaigned relentlessly for Taylor’s removal from office and played an active and supportive role in the Transitional Government of Liberia as the country prepared for elections in October of 2005.

President Johnson Sirleaf was a presidential candidate in the 1997 Liberia general election where she finished second in the field of 13. Before that, she served for five years as Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa of the United Nations Development Program as Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations and was the first woman to lead the United Nations Development Project for Africa.

She served as the Chairperson of the Governance Reform Commission of the National Transitional Government of Liberia until she resigned in March 2004 to accept the nomination of the Unity Party of Liberia as the party’s leader.

In November 2005, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was elected President of Liberia and became the first woman to lead an African nation. In the elections she defeated popular world-class soccer star George Weah with an impressive 59.4 percent of the vote.

In October 2007, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civil award, for her personal courage and unwavering commitment to expanding freedom and improving the lives of people in Liberia and across Africa. And in 2010, as the only female and African Head of State, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was named by Newsweek Magazine as one of the World Top Ten Leaders.

LEARN MORE

Thank you for tuning into this episode of the Aid Market Podcast. You can learn more about working with USAID by visiting our homepage: Konektid International and AidKonekt. To connect with our team directly, message the host Mike Shanley on LinkedIn.

You can learn more about the Society for International Development-US online here. 

Today’s episode features Chief Operating Officer, Christy Hollywood and Manager, Olivia Tisa from the Konektid International team. This discussion focuses on various trends in the USAID funding market, including business development, small business expansion, budget updates, and proposal trends. Christy highlights the importance of transparency in contract mechanisms and discusses budget cuts and increases in different funding areas. Olivia mentions opportunity and changes in proposal presentation, emphasizing the significance of go/no-go decisions and small business opportunities. The team also touches on the impact they are seeing from AI tools and the upcoming small business conference. Join today’s conversation for an inside look into Konektid International’s work and trajectory for 2024. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:00] Christy Hollywood discusses Konektid’s market trends, budget, and business developments in the USAID’s funding market.

• [4:27] Olivia Tisa shares USAID proposal trends for this spring and how they are similar and different from last spring.

• [5:45] QASP, known as the Quality Assurance Plan, and Performance Work Statements have become mainstream at USAID. 

• [6:50] Olivia discusses the intentionality of go/no-go decisions among small business proposals as well as how AI is impacting client portfolios.

• [8:25] Mike touches on USAID’s upcoming small business conference in mid-May and shares how to register.

• [9:00] 2024 is an election year. Christy shares how this could potentially affect the USAID market and partners.

• [13:00] Christy and Mike discuss what organizations should focus on and questions they should ask when preparing for the 2024 election. 

• [16:20] Olivia shares her takeaways from Administrator Samantha Powers’s key note speech. 

• [21:30] Despite oncoming changes due to the election, some things will stay the same. Olivia notes what matters most is the important work that needs to be done. 

• [22:00] Christy shares what she believes will stay the same, regardless of the election results.

• [22:30] Mike notes that past performance and expertise is never compromised, even when new initiatives are implemented. 

• 24:30] Christy advises organizations to start early and utilize your local partner network. Olivia’s advice is to diversify your organization and adapt in order to meet the moment and changing trends. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Olivia notes the delays in RFP releases, which can impact the organizational capacity of USAID partners and konektid clients as they are preparing for opportunities and changes they will face this spring. 

• Now is the time to start scenario planning for the 2024 election, to prepare for any changes that may come based on the outcome of the 2024 election. Christy suggests that organizations think about how a change in leadership could affect their operations, regardless of the election outcome. She anticipates continued streamlining of procurement processes and an increase in localization of partner bases, with the intensity of these trends varying based on the election results.

• Christy advises organizations to assess their current portfolios and align them with different potential priorities based on the election results. By focusing on impact, return on investment, and the why behind their work, organizations can better position themselves for potential changes in government priorities.

• With the upcoming election, many things will stay the same and some changes can be expected. Regardless of the results of the election, there will still be work that needs to be done and that work matters. 

Quotes: 

“This is a great time to start scenario planning, eight to nine months out from January, and to really think about what a change might mean for your organization as you are planning. Regardless of who wins the election this time, we are going to see some continued streamlining of procurement and increased localization of the partner-base, which will vary in intensity, depending on who wins.” - Christy Hollywood

“What’s going to stay the same is the emphasis on localization and working with partners. The work here is still important, there is still work that needs to be done that is needed, however what it manifests as in terms of how it’s proposed or what focus areas are prioritized are going to be what we see changing.” Olivia Tisa

“With my time in the market, what I’ve seen over and over is that even with new initiatives, whether it is USAID forward, localization, or new partnership initiative, one thing that is never compromised is past performance and expertise.” Mike Shanley

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast 

Mike Shanley - LinkedIn

Christy Hollywood LinkedIn

Olivia Tisa LinkedIn

In a discussion about funding trends and market insights for business development at USAID, panelists highlighted key themes including the emphasis on localization, the impact of supplemental funding, and the necessity of adaptability in response to changing funding patterns. 

The panelists stressed the importance of engaging with local and private sector actors for sustainable impact solutions and innovation. Additionally, they discussed effective preparation for phased procurements, addressing challenges like startup costs, and maintaining flexibility in response to changing funding patterns. They emphasized the need to be proactive and adaptive in navigating the evolving USAID partnering landscape.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:30] Discussion on the key trend of localization and locally-led development in 2023, with insights from Moges Gebremedhin
• [09:31] Caroline Denman discusses the conflict funding, program investments and transition initiatives
• [13:54] Matt Swaim shares insights on the integration of AI tools in the industry, emphasizing their potential to accelerate work and advance development goals
• [17:11] Caroline Denman discusses the trend of major prime implementers having regional offices around the world, emphasizing the importance of localized solutions and engagement with national partners
• [25:14] The link between private sector engagement and locally-led development, emphasizing the role of the private sector in sustaining initiatives
• [35:27] Insights on supplemental funding and the need for adaptability in response to changing funding patterns
• [39:19] Caroline Denman discusses the impact of naming key personnel and the challenges related to startup in project implementation
• [42:00] Transition to preparing for 2024, with panelists sharing their thoughts on key indicators and changes for the upcoming year
• [51:35] Christy wraps up with the key takeaways
  
  

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Localization and locally-led development have been significant trends in USAID partnering in 2023. There is a strong emphasis on engaging local actors and building partnerships to facilitate sustainable business solutions and innovation. This trend has implications for project design, implementation, and the ability to deliver quick impactful results
• The phased procurement process, particularly the changing requirements on timing to name key personnel, have implications for project startup and implementation. The process can be costly and requires adaptability and resources to ensure a strong start to project implementation
• Private sector engagement and the cost of engaging local partners are important considerations for sustainability in the localization initiative. The cost of writing a prime USAID proposal and the need to build partnerships with local firms are key factors in the evolving landscape of USAID partnering
• Looking ahead to 2024, an election year, considerations include potential government shutdowns, laddered budgets, and USAID procurement process. 

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast

Mike Shanley - LinkedIn

Christy Hollywood - LinkedIn

Matt Swaim - LinkedIn

Matt Swaim Chemonics - Website

Dragana Veskov - LinkedIn

DraganaVeskov - Website

Moges Gebremedhin

Caroline Denman 

RTI - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHIES:  

Dragana Veskov is a seasoned expert in business development and project management with over three decades of progressive leadership experience. In her recent role as Director of Business Development at FHI360, Dr. Veskov leads new business initiatives, overseeing an impressive annual sales volume of approximately $1 billion. Dr. Veskov has established and nurtured strong relationships with key stakeholders, including USAID, FCDO, NORAD, The World Bank, Millennium Challenge Corporation, and private donors. 

Moges Gebremedhin is RTI’s Regional Director for Africa based in Nairobi, Kenya. Mr. Gebremedhin provides technical and operational support for RTI’s USAID-funded programs and partners in the region. Working across RTI’s technical divisions and experts, he connects RTI research and solutions with opportunities for impact in the region. 

Matt Swaim has been with Chemonics for ten years and currently serves as the Business Development Advisor for the Asia Region. He specializes in writing winning proposals for USAID-funded contracts in the areas of economic growth, promoting sustainable agriculture, and advancing democratic governance. He also serves on Chemonics’ LGBTQ+ Inclusion Technical Working Group which develops approaches and thought leadership in advancing inclusion for the global community.

Caroline Denman15 years of field-based technical experience spans economic growth, good governance, stabilization and transition, education, refugee response, gender inclusion, and climate-smart agriculture in over 20 countries around the world, including long term assignments in the Middle East and North Africa. In her current role as Deputy Director for Business Development with DT Global, she leads proposal strategy, development, and learning for large, complex USAID bids, in addition to overseeing efforts for proposal training, industry outreach and positioning, and generating best practices for effective, competitive activity design.

Today on The Aid Market Podcast, Mike Shanley is joined by Catalina Escobar, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of MAKAIA and Awele Okigbo, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Credo Advisory. Today’s discussion focuses on the concept of localization in development work, particularly in the context of USAID partnerships. Catalina Escobar and Awele Okigbo, share their perspectives on what localization means to them, the role of local partners, and the importance of empowering local actors in driving change and development interventions. Tune in today to hear from local partners with their perspective on USAID’s localization initiative, locally-led development, and how to best work with local partners.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:12] Awele and Catalina share their thoughts and perspective on localization and the importance of when and how local partners are involved in the project’s development and implementation. 

• [05:30] Catalina shares what being a local partner means. 

• [07:45] Awele believes that a local partner has a vested interest in the project because it is their community.

• [12:45] Catalina explains why it is critical to know the local systems and local policies, which can take years. 

• [16:45] Awele discusses areas of USAID’s success and areas for growth in their localization efforts. How can other donors successfully incorporate this growth into their programs?

• [18:37] Catalina touches on strategy vs implementation. On paper, implementation can look straightforward, however the act of implementation can be more challenging. 

• [27:28] Catalina breaks down the 5 principles of the Paris Declaration, which she believes are crucial for local development. She then explains how localization is measured and reported and what she will  be looking at in 2024 to monitor and see how the conversation around localization is evolving.

• [30:37] Awele shares what she will be looking at to see how the localization conversation and priorities are evolving throughout 2024. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Localization is leveraging local actors and experts to become leaders. Localization involves recognizing and incorporating local knowledge, expertise, systems, and politics in project design and implementation. Nobody knows the community more than the members of the community and it is paramount that USAID includes local partners in the early stages of planning and implementation. 

• Localization is meant to foster the empowerment of communities while building capacity and leveraging their social systems and structure to equip them with the resources and ability to become leaders. This is why it is crucial to increase the percentage of funds going to local organizations and ensure diversity in the organizations receiving international funding to avoid concentration of resources in a few entities.

• There is a need to measure the impact of development efforts not just in terms of successful project delivery but also in terms of how the local economy and talent pool have improved over time, highlighting the importance of local expertise and knowledge building.

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast

Aid Market Podcast YouTube

Mike Shanley - LinkedIn

Catalina Escobar - LinkedIn

Awele Okigbo - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHIES: 

Catalina Escobar, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, MAKAIA is a Civil society leader and social entrepreneur with more than 23 years of experience in social sector, digital development and international cooperation. During six years, Catalina worked with the World Bank managing web related projects that promote collaboration and knowledge sharing. She has led MAKAIA since its inception in 2006 and during 11 years, transforming an idea into an organization that has served thousands of people, non-profits and social projects in Latin America. Since June 2017, Catalina has held a different role in MAKAIA, as Chief Strategy Officer with the objective of designing the long term strategy of the organization. She has a Mechanical Engineering degree, an MBA, a specialization in International Cooperation for Development, and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management. 

MAKAIA (www.MAKAIA.org) is a not-for-profit organization that promotes capacities for social development through cooperation, technology and innovation. MAKAIA´s work is implemented based on two pillars: (1) Technology for Social Change, (2) International Cooperation and Partnerships. In 2013 MAKAIA developed www.nodoka.co, a data and information driven initiative to promote resource mobilization, knowledge sharing and effectiveness in social sector. MAKAIA has worked with thousands of social organizations and people in Colombia and Latin America.

Awele Okigbo, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Credo Advisory is a leading strategic and development communications consultancy based in Abuja and Washington, DC. She is also the Host of Credo Voices, a podcast that highlights inspiring stories of everyday heroes – ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The podcast is a growing global community of change agents driving the Sustainable Development Goals.

For over 25 years, she has led communications teams to raise awareness, build trust and effect change for institutions, including the United Nations, the United States Agency for International Development, the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. As a World Bank consultant, Awele has experience working in Nigeria, Jordan, Sudan, Zambia, Poland, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania and Kazakhstan, delivering reform communications programmes. In 2012, she was appointed as a Technical Advisor to the Presidential Task Force on Power and, in 2020, to the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 by the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Before her consultancy work, she spent seven years with the International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, supporting the launch of strategic operations in over 90 countries through communications and stakeholder engagement. In 2022, Awele was nominated and inducted into the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Goalkeepers Community in recognition of being a changemaker catalysing action toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

She is a regular industry speaker and a board member of the Thacher School, a co-educational boarding school in California that fosters academic excellence, character development, and community culture.

Married with four children, Awele is an avid cyclist, a culinary enthusiast, and fluent in French. She is passionate about women's and children's rights.

David Beasley, former Executive Director of the World Food Program, discusses global food security and international development. 

Beasley highlights the progress made in the past 200 years but emphasizes the current challenges and the need for strategic and effective international development. He highlights the importance of stabilizing environments, providing hope, and addressing issues like mass migration, famines, war, conflict, COVID implications, and climate shocks. 

Beasley shares insights into his messaging strategy to secure funding, stressing the cost-effectiveness of investing in international aid for both humanitarian and national security reasons.

This episode is co-hosted by the Society for International Development - United States (https://sidw.org/). 

TIMESTAMPS:

• [01:47] Discussion on global food security and international development challenges.
• [02:27] Emphasis on the urgency and importance of international development at the current global crossroads.
• [03:51] Messaging strategy for discussing the role of international development and foreign aid funding with political leaders.
• [07:01] Priorities during Beasley's tenure as the Executive Director of the World Food Program.
• [09:29] Efforts to raise funds strategically and the success in raising $14.4 billion.
• [11:06] Tailoring the message to different constituencies and the importance of flexibility in international aid programs.
• [14:28] Nomination by Nikki Haley for the role of Executive Director of the World Food Program.
• [17:27] The effectiveness of using food as a tool for peace and reconciliation among Democrats and Republicans.
• [19:44] Beasley's involvement in addressing the Ukraine situation, focusing on economic factors and the impact on global food security.
• [20:21] The potential consequences of the conflict in Ukraine on fertilizer production, fuel costs, and food prices globally.
• [22:21] Concerns about the distraction of war and conflict affecting fundraising for humanitarian programs.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Beasley emphasizes the need for strategic and effective international development to address current global challenges, including mass migration, famines, war, conflict, COVID implications, and climate shocks.
• The messaging strategy for securing funding involves demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of international aid, aligning with national security interests, and emphasizing success stories.
• The Ukraine conflict poses significant risks to global food security due to disruptions in fertilizer production, increased fuel costs, and the destabilization of food-producing regions. The impact extends beyond the immediate conflict zone to affect vulnerable populations worldwide.

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast 

Mike Shanley - LinkedIn 

 Society for International Development 

Guest Bio:

David Muldrow Beasley (born February 26, 1957) is an American politician and the former Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme.[1] A member of the Republican Party, he served one term as the 113th Governor of South Carolina from 1995 until 1999 before losing reelection to Democrat Jim Hodges. He also served as a state representative from 1981 until 1995.

Early life

Beasley was born in Lamar, South Carolina. He is the son of Richard Lee Beasley and Jacqueline (Blackwell) Beasley. He graduated from Lamar High School in 1975, then attended the Capitol Page School in Washington, DC while serving as a page in the U.S. Congress.[2]

Early political career

Elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives at age 20, Beasley transferred from Clemson University to the University of South Carolina where he received a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies in 1979 and a J.D. from the School of Law in 1983.[3] Beasley was a member of the South Carolina House representing the Society Hill area from 1979 until 1995, serving as majority whip from 1985 to 1986 and the majority leader from 1987 to 1989.[4] He served as the youngest Speaker pro tempore and Majority Leader in the nation.[5]

During the 1991–92 legislative session Beasley switched to the Republican Party.[6] During the 1994 election for governor, both Beasley and his Democratic opponent Lieutenant Governor Nick Theodore faced tough primary opposition within their respective parties. Beasley defeated his toughest competitor, former congressman and state senator Arthur Ravenel Jr., in both the primary and run-off, and went on to win the general election by a narrow margin of 50%–48%.[6]

Governor

South Carolina had a strong economy while Beasley was governor, with unemployment at a record-low 3.5% in 1998. [7] Beasley often made known his Christ-centered beliefs and conservatism in a state known for its strong ties to Christianity and conservative politics.[8]

Beasley strongly opposed gambling, which was legal in South Carolina until 2002.[9] At the time, many gas stations, convenience stores, and poker "casinos" were established across the state, and as Beasley supported legislation that would outlaw gambling, the video poker industry generated "Ban Beasley" billboards and radio ads.[10]

Recorded: April 12, 2022

Join this free webinar with USAID's Higher Education team to hear the latest updates on their work. This is a great opportunity for new partners to learn how the Agency is engaging with the higher education community.

On the event we will be discussing:
1) USAID Education Priorities (with a focus on Higher Education)
2) A new way partners can engage with higher education at USAID
3) Advice for higher education partners interested in getting started with USAID

Samantha Alvis, Higher Education Senior Advisor, USAID; Jennifer Lebron, Leader, USAID Higher Education Network

ABOUT THE HOST:

The podcast is hosted by Mike Shanley, Founder and CEO of Konektid International and AidKonekt Data, the leading USAID partner support firms that help clients to grow their USAID funding portfolios. Mike has nearly two decades of experience in working with USAID projects and funding opportunities. His USAID funding expertise has been recognized by the largest aid and development associations, partners, and conferences, including by USAID, Devex, British Expertise International, AidEx, and by the Society for International Development-US where he also serves as Board Member.

Websites:

Konektid International: www.konektid.com

AidKonekt Data: https://www.aidkonekt.com/usaid-biz-dev

Connect with Mike Shanley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konektid-usaid-specialists/

Konektid Chief Operating Officer, Christy Hollywood, and CEO of Pope International and former Senior USAID staff member, Chuck Pope, discuss key trends in the USAID market and the impact of the upcoming election. The discussion included insight on USAID solicitation delays; localization; new partners and barriers to entry into the USAID Market; and the potential impact of the election on USAID. 

QUOTES

4:42: “USAID is continuing to broaden their definition of what local inclusion and new partners look like. Also starting to make sure missions have access to ways to engage with local organizations more systematically”. – Christy Hollywood

5:42: “We’re seeing both USAID and implementing partners look at capacity strengthening beyond just compliance and proposals, which is a really nice change, especially as USAID continues to try to lower barriers to entry. – Christy Hollywood

6:47: “Whatever happens, localization is here to stay…it makes sense.” – Chuck Pope

BIOGRAPHY

Christy Hollywood: Christy Hollywood supports Konektid clients and consultants with skills honed during 20+ years of leadership in international development, professional services, and consulting organizations. She led a successful consulting firm of her own for 11 years. Earlier, she served as Vice President for BD of Cardno (a large USAID and MCC contractor, since acquired) and held pivotal business development roles at KPMG’s Emerging Markets Group, RTI International, PATH, as well as Fidelity Investments and Noblis.

A recognized expert in business development consulting, she’s authored several articles and is five-time invited presenter at international conferences on proposal management, competitive intelligence, and business development.

Chuck Pope: Charles S. “Chuck” Pope is a recognized global leader of acquisitions and agreements and is a formerly commissioned Foreign Service Officer and warranted senior Contracting/Agreement Officer for USAID. Chuck is a development professional with over a quarter century of experience on four continents working for the US Government and implementing partners (contractor/recipient).

Recorded: March 14, 2023

 Join our conversation with Alexis Bonnell, former USAID Chief Innovation Officer, on ChatGPT, AI and what it means for USAID partnering.

We will discuss:
• How are USAID and USAID Partners thinking about ChatGPT and AI?
• Will ChatGPT change how USAID partners write proposals?
• USAID’s Digital Strategy & AI update
• How will AI be used in project implementation?
• How does this affect localization?

Alexis Bonnell, former Chief Innovation Officer, USAID; Christy Hollywood, Chief Operating Officer, Konektid International

ABOUT THE HOST:

The podcast is hosted by Mike Shanley, Founder and CEO of Konektid International and AidKonekt Data, the leading USAID partner support firms that help clients to grow their USAID funding portfolios. Mike has nearly two decades of experience in working with USAID projects and funding opportunities. His USAID funding expertise has been recognized by the largest aid and development associations, partners, and conferences, including by USAID, Devex, British Expertise International, AidEx, and by the Society for International Development-US where he also serves as Board Member.

Websites:

Konektid International: www.konektid.com

AidKonekt Data: https://www.aidkonekt.com/usaid-biz-dev

Connect with Mike Shanley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konektid-usaid-specialists/

Recorded: May 17, 2022

 Join our conversation with Randy Tift, former USAID Chief A&A Policy Officer, and Chuck Pope, former USAID Senior Regional Advisor for the Middle East and A&A Strategy Lead on the COVID-19 Task Force, on what's next for USAID.

We will hear their thoughts on recent USAID trends and what to expect in the coming months and years from the Agency. Topics will include Ukraine, COVID funding, New Partnerships Initiative, localization, and much more.

Panelist Bios:

Randy Tift

Prior to rejoining USAID in October 2017, J. Randall (Randy) Tift served on the US Congressional staff and in field-based operations in global development, and as a policy manager in international affairs focused on relief and development, human rights, and national security.

Randy was the Chief Acquisition and Assistance Policy Officer for USAID (through January 2021) and served as the co-Senior Leader Champion for Effective Partnering and Procurement Reform (EPPR) for USAID’s Transformation. EPPR is an on-going effort, launched in February 2018, to reform program design, partnering approaches and delivery mechanisms for USAID. Through EPPR and the New Partnerships Initiative, USAID has enabled effective locally-led development, adaptive and collaborative programs, and diversification of the USAID partner base.

From 2006-2017, Randy was Senior Adviser and Senior Director for Policy at World Vision in Washington, DC. In this role, Randy managed WV policy engagement in crisis response, operational risk, program effectiveness in fragile states, civil society strengthening, human rights, counter-terrorism, and other issues affecting WV brand, mission, and message. He coordinated US donor support for field programs promoting local advocacy and policy change as a critical driver of development outcomes in over 40 countries.

From 1995-2005, Randy managed international development programs in the Balkans. As Chief of Party in Serbia, Randy managed the $50 million USAID Community Revitalization through Democratic Action (CRDA) program, supporting post-conflict civic participation, income generation, and reconstruction assistance to Serbia. He earlier served as USAID Senior Adviser for Democracy and Governance in Romania, managing a portfolio of a dozen US and local implementing partners building new coalitions for reform, promoting programs to remove barriers to free enterprise and economic growth, and strengthening Romanian democratic institutions. Prior to this, Randy served as coordinator of a US Congressional assistance program in the Romanian Parliament.


Chuck Pope

Charles S. “Chuck” Pope is excited to be Precision Talent Solutions’ inaugural Chief International Development Officer (CIDO).

He recently retired from USAID as a commissioned foreign service officer after a more than 20 year distinguished career with postings to Russia, Afghanistan, Tanzania and India leading overseas acquisition and assistance efforts. Prior to retiring, he held a number of senior leadership positions at the Agency: Senior Regional Advisor for the Middle East, Chief of Operations in the Global Health Bureau and Deputy Assistant Administrator in the same bureau leading policy, programs, planning, innovation and systems.
He started his career overseas in Russia as a Peace Corps volunteer attached to Moscow City Administration (Zelenograd Prefecture) working on NGO development. Afterwards, he went to work for IREX in Central Asia on the State Department’s Internet Access and Training Program. IREX would later promote Chuck to Regional Director of the Caucasus overseeing all programs in the region.

Peace Corps subsequently hired him as Administrative Officer to restart the program in Uzbekistan, which had been closed following 9/11. The program would grow to become one of the largest Peace Corps posts, with Chuck also serving a stint as Country Director.

After his tour, the Peace Corps put Chuck in charge of training new Administrative Officers for overseas assignments. During this time, he also served the Agency as the Financial and Administrative Officer of the Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts, the historic deployment of the Peace Corps domestically.

Prior to public service, Chuck grew up on his family’s farm in Kansas and was an accomplished athlete, winning collegiate national championships as both a player and a coach, and garnering all-American accolades at the junior college level before going on to start at Baylor University as center on the football team. He currently resides on a horse farm outside of DC that also functions as a therapeutic riding center for Wounded Warriors and individuals with special needs.

ABOUT THE HOST:

The podcast is hosted by Mike Shanley, Founder and CEO of Konektid International and AidKonekt Data, the leading USAID partner support firms that help clients to grow their USAID funding portfolios. Mike has nearly two decades of experience in working with USAID projects and funding opportunities. His USAID funding expertise has been recognized by the largest aid and development associations, partners, and conferences, including by USAID, Devex, British Expertise International, AidEx, and by the Society for International Development-US where he also serves as Board Member.

Websites:

Konektid International: www.konektid.com

AidKonekt Data: https://www.aidkonekt.com/usaid-biz-dev

Connect with Mike Shanley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konektid-usaid-specialists/

Elizabeth Shortino, Former Acting U.S. Executive Director at the IMF, joins Mike Shanley to discuss the role of the IMF and U.S. Executive Director, how the IMF assesses political risk, IMF engagement in emerging and frontier markets, and insights for business expanding into new markets.

BIOGRAPHY:

Elizabeth Shortino recently served as the Acting U.S. Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), an international financial institution charged with promoting international monetary and financial stability and growth. In this role, Ms. Shortino represented the United States at the IMF Executive Board and advanced U.S. interests on a range of issues, including IMF lending to strategic countries such as Argentina, Egypt, Pakistan and other; IMF surveillance of global markets and growth; and all IMF institutional and policy issues.

Prior to working at the IMF, Ms. Shortino spent 20 years in public service at the U.S. Treasury and the Office of Management and Budget covering international economic and development issues. She served as Director for the International Monetary Policy office and led Treasury’s staff engagement and coordination on all G7 and G20 Finance Track issues, including communique negotiations, designing and advancing the U.S. agenda for its p. Ms. Shortino also oversaw the Treasury stance on all IMF policy issues and country lending programs. Prior to this role, Ms. Shortino managed the Office of Middle East and North Africa and helped coordinate an international response amongst the G7, Gulf partners, and international financial institutions to support countries undergoing democratic transitions as part of the Arab Spring. She also oversaw U.S. Treasury economic engagement in strategic countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, and negotiated U.S. sovereign loan guarantees to several Middle East countries. Prior to joining the U.S. Treasury, Ms. Shortino worked at the Office of Management and Budget covering international and defense spending and served as a management consultant for Cap Gemini and at Ernst & Young. Ms. Shortino holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Masters in International Studies from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

LEARN MORE:

Thank you for tuning into this episode of the Global Strategy Podcast with Mike Shanley. You can learn more about working with the U.S. Government by visiting our homepage: Konektid International and GovDiscovery AI. To connect with our team directly, message the host Mike Shanley on LinkedIn.