Thomas Fox - First Director of the Peace Corps Program in Burkina Faso (then Upper Volta (1967 - 69)
THOMAS H. FOX
3435 34th Place, NW
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 686-6581 &endash; home/office
E-mail: <FoxThomasH@aol.com>
INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT (as of January 20, 2001)
# Available for a wide range of assignments, including strategic planning, fundraising counsel, organizational development and management, and related topics. International development assistance, with particular expertise in Africa. Non-Governmental Organizations. Official Development Assistance. Private philanthropy.
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT:
# 1997-2001 Assistant Administrator, Policy and Program Coordination, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Appointed in 1997 by President Clinton, with U.S. Senate confirmation, to coordinate USAID's worldwide policy and resource allocation and serve as a member of the USAID Administrator's cabinet. Specific responsibilities included: formulation and interpretation of policies affecting USAID's $7 billion annual foreign assistance budget; oversight of the Agency's performance measurement systems; international donor coordination (including as USAID representative to international development fora like the OECD/DAC); and planning and programming coordination with the Department of State. As head of the Bureau for Policy and Program Coordination, I oversaw a staff of 50 professionals with an $8 million budget.
1988-1997 Vice President, World Resources Institute
Principal responsibility for the management of the policy, operations and programs of WRI’s Center for International Development and Environment, including thirty staff and regular consultants, and a budget of approximately $5 million. Complementing WRI’s renowned policy research reputation on environmental matters, the Center works in developing countries to strengthen policies and institutions for wise management of the natural resources base, specializing in environmental planning and management, forestry and land use, and capacity building of governmental and non-governmental organizations. The position required leadership for program and project development, particularly in its direct policy guidance to developing countries; fundraising from public and private donors; program development overseas; and evaluation and monitoring.
1982-1988 Vice President, International and Public Affairs, Council on Foundations. I established and then directed the Council's International Program. With support from key foundations like Ford, Rockefeller, Carnegie, and Exxon Education, this program sought "to increase the scope and effectiveness of grantmaking for international purposes." I convened foundations around international issues, organized meetings and workshops, encouraged and advised foundations seeking to develop an international program, and often represented foundations’ international interests to other organizations and constituencies. I also supervised the Council’s communications and public affairs functions. (The Council’s 1500 members include virtually all of the nation’s significant private grantmaking foundations.)
1978-1982 Director, Office of Private and Voluntary Cooperation. US Agency for International Development. Responsible for the AID office charged with liaison with private and voluntary organizations (PVOs/NGOs). Specific office functions included registering and introducing such organizations to AID's offices and procedures, serving as the principal focal point for policy and information concerning AID's relationships with PVOs/NGOs, and administering a substantial program of grants and other subsidies in support of qualified PVOs/NGOs' worldwide programs. These responsibilities included management of a staff of 25 and a budget of $40 million.
1972-1978 Executive Director, Volunteers in Technical Assistance (VITA). After a year and a half serving as Director of International Programs, I became Executive Director of this respected PVO/NGO. Responsible for overall management and development of VITA's program of delivering appropriate technical assistance to individuals, small businesses, and community organizations in developing areas around the world. Responsible to a Board of Directors for this worldwide program, I managed a staff of 25, and a budget of $750,000. During my administration, VITA grew considerably in opportunities, in resources, and in stature.
1969-1972 Chief, Programs and Training, and Deputy Director, Africa Region, Peace Corps. Principal responsibility for program development, review, approval and evaluation, as well as the training of Volunteers for all of Africa. Major management responsibilities including personnel selection, and liaison with other Peace Corps/Washington offices, other US Government departments, and African Embassies.
1967-1969 (First) Director of the Peace Corps Program in Burkina Faso (then Upper Volta). Responsible for program development, training, technical support, relations with Upper Volta's government, and direction of the 50 Peace Corps Volunteers.
1965-1967 Associate Director, then Deputy Director of the Peace Corps Program in Togo. Principal responsibility was for program development and technical support for 45 secondary school volunteer teachers. As Deputy, added responsibility: program development and administration of the entire program in Togo.
1961-1965 Instructor, Taft School, Watertown, Connecticut. Taught European History and rench. Numerous coaching and other responsibilities.
