WASHINGTON, DC – Nominated by President Obama and recently confirmed by the United States Senate, former Democracy International (DI) Executive Director Thomas O. Melia was sworn in Friday, January 15 as Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). As Executive Director, Mr. Melia expanded DI’s partnerships by leading the establishment of the Advancing Democratic Elections and Political Transitions (ADEPT) consortium, provided technical leadership to DI’s Research and Analytical Services Team, and strengthened programs in the field.

Before joining DI, Mr. Melia served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, where he oversaw the work of the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. Previous to his work in the U.S. Department of State, Mr. Melia was Deputy Executive Director of Freedom House and Vice President for Programs at the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs.

For more info contact: David Dettman, Director, Communications press@democrayinternational.com +1.301.961.1660
 
Thomas O. Melia (right) stands with his family as he is sworn in by USAID Administrator Gayle Smith (left).

Democracy International (DI) provides analytical services, technical assistance, and project implementation for democracy and governance programs worldwide. Since its founding in 2003, DI has worked in more than 70 countries, including some of the world’s most challenging environments.