WASHINGTON, D.C. - This morning, Eric G. Postel was sworn in as the new Assistant Administrator for the Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade Bureau (EGAT) at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

"I am thrilled to have Eric on board and I am confident that his leadership, complimented by his extensive experience in economic development, will be an asset to the Agency," said Administrator Rajiv Shah. "I welcome him and look forward to working together to achieve the Obama Administration's priorities."

Postel is internationally recognized as an expert in finance and banking in emerging markets. He has worked in Africa, Eastern European, the former Soviet Union, and Asia as an advisor and entrepreneur.

Prior to joining USAID, Postel founded Pangaea Partners, Ltd, an investment banking and financial consulting services focused on emerging markets. In 2006 and 2007, he served on the U.S. Senate's bi-partisan commission called Helping to Enhance the Livelihood of People Around the Globe (HELP). In addition, Postel was one of the authors of Beyond Assistance, a report which made recommendations for reforming U.S. foreign assistance efforts in order to increase their impact.

Postel is a four year veteran of the U.S. Navy, and also has five years of experience as a finance executive in bio-tech and clean energy organizations. He has a B.A. from Wesleyan University and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

For more information about USAID and its programs around the world, please visit www.usaid.gov.