Beirut – Yesterday, Dr. Anne Patterson was sworn in as Mission Director for Lebanon for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Chargé d’Affaires Richard Jones administered the oath of office.

“I am excited to direct the USAID mission in Lebanon and demonstrate, through our work, that USAID is committed to a sovereign, stable, independent, and prosperous Lebanon at peace with its neighbors,” said Dr. Patterson.

As Mission Director, Dr. Patterson will oversee programs that improve the lives of Lebanese citizens and their communities by enhancing economic opportunity, increasing access to quality education, improving water and wastewater services, strengthening civil society and municipalities, and protecting the environment.  USAID also supports Lebanon in its efforts to respond to the needs of local Lebanese communities hosting hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees.

“Anne’s leadership and experience managing USAID programs around the world make her a key asset to lead a critical mission in this region,” said Paige Alexander, USAID Assistant Administrator for the Middle East.