Ep. 44 - Trump II: USAID and Foreign Policy Priorities

James Richardson, former Director of the Office of Foreign Assistance, joins Mike Shanley to discuss the Role of the State Department under Trump II, foreign assistance priorities, budget implications, and intra-government coordination. BIOGRAPHY: James "Jim" Richardson is the Executive Director to the 70th Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, working various ventures and programs. He is also the Executive Chairman of The Pompeo Foundation, a 501c(3) dedicated to thoughtful discussion and education on some of the world's toughest challenges. He was previously Director of the Office of Foreign Assistance at the U.S. Department of State. On behalf of the Secretary of State, he coordinated $35 billion in foreign assistance across the State Department and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), ensuring policy, performance, and budget alignment. He was also responsible for foreign assistance strategic planning, policy, and monitoring and evaluation standards. Prior to that, Mr. Richardson served as Coordinator of USAID's Transformation Task Team. He led the historic reorganization to reshape the Agency around the principle of 'Ending the Need for Foreign Assistance,' establishing new Bureaus, policies, processes, and workforce solutions. Concurrent with his role on Transformation, Jim was Assistant to the Administrator in USAID's Bureau for Policy, Planning and Learning (PPL). He was responsible for agency-wide strategic planning, policy development, monitoring and evaluation standards, and international donor coordination. With over 25 years of private and government service, Mr. Richardson spearheaded numerous complex operations and developed an extensive public policy and legislative process background. He served as Chief of Staff for then-Congressman Mike Pompeo (KS-04) —overseeing Congressman Pompeo's offices in Washington, DC, and Wichita, Kansas. He also worked with the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee for Congressman Todd Tiahrt (KS-04), the House Armed Services Committee for Congressman Jim Ryun (KS-02), and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for Senator John Ashcroft (R-MO). He began his government career with Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond (R-MO). Mr. Richardson holds a Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies from Missouri State University and a Bachelor of Science in Government from Evangel University. He also graduated from the United States Air Force Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). LEARN MORE Thank you for tuning into this episode of the Aid Market Podcast. You can learn more about working with USAID by visiting our homepage: Konektid International and AidKonekt. To connect with our team directly, message the host Mike Shanley on LinkedIn.