Peace Corps Polyglot

Senate Committee Approves Dodd Legislation, Peace Corps Deputy Director

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee had Peace Corps on the agenda at today's business meeting.

The Committee gave its approval to Senate Bill 1382, the Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion Act.  Authored by RPCV Senator Chris Dodd, the legislation calls upon the agency to conduct an assessment of 18 issues identified as key to the improvement and expansion of Peace Corps operations, and provide a strategic plan that includes one and five year goals and benchmarks to measure progress.

The Bill was passed with a manager's amendment, which eliminated the funding levels specified in the original text. A member of Senator Dodd's staff commented that this will allow for more focus on improving and reforming the Peace Corps.

The Committee also approved the nomination of former NPCA Board Member Carrie Hessler-Radelet to become the next Deputy Director of the Peace Corps. 

With today's votes by the committee, both the legislation and the Hessler-Radelet nomination go to the full Senate for final approval.

Meet James Gore: NPCA's Newest Board Member

Based in Arlington, Virginia, James Gore was just elected to his first term as a member of the National Peace Corps Association Board of Directors, where he will be a national and Mid-Atlantic representative. NPCA President Kevin Quigley is excited about this newest board member.  “Given the remarkable leadership with the RPCVW group and his engagement in the 50th Anniversary planning efforts, James brings skills, experiences and a passion for the Peace Corps that will make him a great asset for the NPCA,” he said.

James volunteered with the Peace Corps in Conchabamba and Tarija, Bolivia from 2003 through 2005. James met his wife. Elizabeth, in Peace Corps Volunteer training, and during his service he worked extensively with the local farmers and strategically managed and implemented agricultural business projects. "Bolivia taught me the power of simple action - there is nothing as gratifying as taking ideas and visions off of the ever-increasing 'to do' list and instead placing them on the 'done' list.  No matter how grand or minute an idea may be, you can breath it into life through action,” he said.

Upon returning to the United States, James began work with the wine industry and international affairs. He is currently the Managing Director for Agriculture and Trade Policy for JBC International, based in Washington, D.C. Jim has a rich background with wine and the wine industry, thanks to his family’s winemaking business in Sonoma County, California.

James has been highly involved with the Peace Corps community in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. He has been elected President of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Washington, DC, helped organize RPCVs to march in the recent inaugural parade and sits on the Peace Corps 50th Anniversary Committee. After serving three terms as the RPCVw president, he was inspired to broaden his Peace Corps service.

James is enthusiastic about what the future holds for the NPCA and the Peace Corps community. “I look forward to bringing a fresh breath to the NPCA Board and to work diligently with other members to offer RPCVs a vehicle that can carry their interests, hopes and visions to a national level,” he said.

James will begin his three-year term with the start of the June 26 Board meeting held in Washington, D.C.

2009 NPCA Board of Directors Election Results

The National Peace Corps Association is pleased to announce that the 2009 elections for three open, member-elected Board of Directors seats are now complete.  The following candidates were elected and will take up their three-year terms beginning with the June 26, 2009 Board meeting in Washington, DC.

•    James Gore (Mid-Atlantic and Nationwide)
•    David Magnani (Northeast)
•    Jensy Patterson Richards (Europe, North and East Africa)

Congratulations to returning Board members Jensy Richards and Dave Magnani.  And a special congratulations and welcome to new board member James Gore!