ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) today congratulated former Congressman Mark Green on his confirmation to serve as the next administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
“Mark Green has a deep understanding of the importance of foreign aid and how it promotes America’s interests,” said NRECA CEO Jim Matheson. “A significant element of this approach is working with America’s electric cooperatives to provide electricity to towns and villages for the first time. NRECA has partnered with USAID to bring power to 120 million people across 43 countries. Mark’s leadership and strong ties to electric cooperatives in Wisconsin will strengthen this ongoing partnership. We look forward to working with Mark and his staff to continue electric cooperatives’ support of USAID’s mission around the world.”
“Mark Green has always been an advocate for helping others so they can have the knowledge and power to help themselves—whether as U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania, or as a congressman representing the interests of electric cooperatives and rural communities in Wisconsin,” said Steve Freese, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association. “His pragmatic leadership style makes him a great choice as the new USAID administrator. I’m confident that he will create bridges of diplomacy and gain bipartisan support to continue the important work of USAID.”
NRECA International, an affiliate of NRECA, has been working as a USAID partner since 1962. The American electric cooperative community supports NRECA International’s work through monetary contributions, material donations, and on-the-ground expertise, including sending hundreds of linemen, engineers and managers to volunteer on NRECA-sponsored projects.
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.