Jim Barnhart currently serves as Mission Director to Jordan. He arrived in Amman in July 2015.

Previously, Mr. Barnhart oversaw the Bureau for Food Security’s research and policy divisions, its engagement with the private sector, food security-related communications and outreach, and overall operations.

Previously, he served as Mission Director for USAID/Albania (2012-2014) and USAID/Lebanon (2010-2012). His earlier overseas assignments include Pakistan, Zambia, and Jordan, supervising economic growth, agriculture, education, and democracy & governance programs.

Mr. Barnhart earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Georgia State University and a Master’s Degree in International Economics from the Johns Hopkins University (SAIS). He is married to Elizabeth Barnhart, and has two adult daughters.