FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, May 27, 2004

Agency Names New Director of Crisis Corps

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 27, 2004 – Director Gaddi H. Vasquez recently announced the appointment of Mary Angelini as the agency’s new Director of Crisis Corps.

“Mary brings to Peace Corps a wealth of managerial experience and a strong background in international affairs,” said Director Vasquez. “ We are delighted to have Mary as part of the Peace Corps family and look forward to many future accomplishments from the Crisis Corps’ unique international assistance program.”

The director for Crisis Corps is responsible for directing short-term, critical needs assignments for returned Peace Corps volunteers. Crisis Corps volunteers’ assignments range from response to natural disasters, humanitarian assistance, disaster preparedness and mitigation, and support to countries emerging from conflict

Prior to her appointment, Angelini was an adjunct lecturer at Dowling College in Oakdale, N.Y., where she taught American Government. She previously served as the Nigeria Country Director for the International Republican Institute, where she was responsible for staff and country operations, in addition to a $3.5 million budget. Angelini is a native New Yorker and has worked on Capitol Hill for former U.S. Representative Rick Lazio and U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato. She has traveled extensively throughout Africa and has lived in several countries, including France, South Africa and Belgium.

Angelini earned a B.A. in Political Science form the State University of New York and a Master’s of International Affairs from Columbia University’s School for International and Public Affairs.

Since Crisis Corps’ inception in 1996, nearly 550 returned Peace Corps volunteers have taken the opportunity to use their skills and experience to address ongoing community needs in over 30 different countries. Crisis Corps volunteers are placed directly with governmental and non-governmental organizations and assignments can last an average of six months or longer. To find out more about the Peace Corps’ Crisis Corps program, click here.

Since 1961, more than 171,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps, working in such diverse fields as education, health, HIV/AIDS education and prevention, information technology, business development, the environment, and agriculture. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a two-year commitment.

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