Kathmandu, August 24

Chargé d’Affaires Michael C Gonzales swore in Amy Tohill-Stull as the new mission director of US Agency for International Development amid a ceremony at the US embassy today.

Outgoing USAID Mission Director Peter A Malnak hosted the ceremony, which was attended by USAID and the embassy staff.

At the programme, Chargé d’Affaires Gonzales spoke about Tohill-Stull’s professional skills during her tenure as deputy mission director for USAID Nepal.

“As we have seen over the past four years, Amy is a strategic leader, nuanced manager and collaborative colleague. Amy has an expert understanding of policy, politics and partnerships. Her experience in Nepal working with government officials, implementing partners, donors, civil society and the private sector has equipped her with an advanced understanding of the country that she will use to hit the ground running as mission director,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales also highlighted USAID’s and Tohill-Stull’s roles in Nepal’s development and said, “USAID’s annual assistance to Nepal helps millions of Nepalis learn to read, to give birth safely, to increase their incomes, to protect their families from disasters and to know their rights. USAID’s leadership is crucial to helping improve the lives and well-being of Nepal’s citizens.”

As a career member of the US Foreign Service, Tohill-Stull brings more than 25 years of development experience to the position. Prior to her appointment as mission director, Tohill-Stull served as deputy mission director for USAID/Nepal for four years. She previously served with USAID in Afghanistan, Jordan, Zimbabwe, Kazakhstan and Washington and worked with the World Resources Institute, read a press release issued by the embassy.

In support of America’s foreign policy, USAID leads the US Government’s international development and disaster assistance through partnerships and investments that save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance and help people emerge from humanitarian crises.