Howard Roy Williams

Howard Roy Williams is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Humanitarian Cooperation. "Mr. Williams was previously Director of the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, Bureau for Humanitarian Response (BHR/OFDA), of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). He was appointed to this post in January 1998 and served until January 2001. USAID is the U.S. government agency that provides economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide. As head of OFDA, Williams oversaw disaster preparedness and relief and rehabilitation programs throughout the world.

"Before going to OFDA, Williams served with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) for 12 years. From 1996 to 1998, Williams was IRC's Vice President for Overseas Policy and Planning. From 1993 to 1996, he was Vice President for Overseas Programs, and from 1985 to 1993, he was Director of Operations.

"During this time, Williams led efforts that resulted in the conceptualization, creation and staffing of IRC's Emergency Preparedness Unit. He helped to establish and staff IRC offices in a variety of places including Northern Iraq, Jordan, the Balkans, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, and Southern Sudan.

"From 1979 to 1985, he served with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), formerly known as the International Committee for European Migration (ICEM). During this time he served as Chief of Operations in Geneva, Switzerland, from 1983 to 1985; Regional Director in Bangkok, Thailand, from 1980 to 1983; and Country Representative in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 1979 to 1980. From 1976 to 1979, Williams was Assistant to the Director with the American Council for Nationalities Services in New York.

"Williams has a Bachelor's degree from Columbia University. He also studied at the Columbia University School of Law."

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