Donald “Larry” Sampler Jr., an almunus of the School of Public Policy, was sworn in as Assistant to the Administrator in the Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs at USAID. In this role, Sampler will oversee the two countries with the largest USAID budgets in a region critical to U.S. national security.

USAID Administrator Rajiv Shaw, who administered the oath, said at the swearing in, "This is a unique and important moment for the region: in Afghanistan, even as our troops come home, we continue to invest in the nation’s long-term development, ensuring the gains we’ve made over the last decade are lasting and meaningful.  And in Pakistan, many of our partnerships are beginning to hit their stride—delivering rewards that will affect millions.”

In the past Sampler has served as both Senior Deputy Assistant to the Administrator working on Afghanistan and management issues and Vice President and Director of the Communities in Transition Division of Creative Associates International.