We invite you for a conversation on May 20 at 8am PT discussing the global impact of the budget cuts, organizational restructuring, and widespread layoffs at USAID, the primary agency for foreign aid and development assistance in the United States. The audience will hear from Pacific Council member Aimee Teplinsky, Supervisory Program Manager, DRG Bureau, USAID, Ambassador Erin McKee, Former Assistant Administrator for USAID’s Bureau for Europe and Eurasia, and Salvator Niyonzima, Former UN Resident Coordinator, Benin. 

Why It's Important:

• On January 20, President Trump issued an executive order calling for a 90-day pause on U.S. foreign assistance, stating that the U.S. foreign aid industry and bureaucracy, “serve to destabilize world peace.”
• About 10,000 USAID employees were laid off globally and several hundred awards and contracts administered by the Agency were cancelled. 
• Such cuts to humanitarian aid are estimated to result in 18 million additional cases of malaria, one million children unable to be treated for malnutrition, and 200,000 children paralyzed by polio. 
• The elimination of aid contracts total over $500 million in Afghanistan, $126 million in Syria, $67 million in Yemen, and $12 million in Gaza.

Please feel free to send in questions in advance to events@pacificcouncil.org.

To register for this webinar, visit the Zoom Registration Page.

Guest Speaker & Moderator

Aimee Teplinsky, originally from Los Angeles, has over 20 years of experience in Washington DC and abroad in the field of international development focusing primarily on conflict and post-conflict countries working with local stakeholders on local governance. Working with USAID implementers and most recently with USAID’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG), Aimee has managed the operations of $20M - $500M projects with a variety of international donors including USAID, DFID (UK), FFO (Germany), The World Bank, and UN. Ms. Teplinsky has extensive experience in institutional development, financial management, strategic planning, and workforce development. In addition to conducting training in Afghanistan, Rwanda, Liberia, Tunisia, Turkey, and Bangladesh, she developed capacity building curricula customizing sessions based on participant education levels and professional experience. She holds both a Masters in International Conflict Resolution and a Masters of Business Administration from American University.

Guest Speaker

Ambassador Erin E. McKee is a highly respected global strategist and policy expert recognized for her leadership in advancing U.S. national security, governance, and economic diplomacy. She has played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing international policies, forging strategic partnerships, and driving high-stakes initiatives in some of the world’s most complex geopolitical landscapes. With a career spanning both the public and private sectors, she is known for her ability to maximize resources, mitigate risks, and deliver lasting impact on a global scale.

A trusted advisor at the highest levels of government, Ambassador McKee has served under five U.S. presidential administrations, earning two Senate-confirmed appointments. She has held C-suite equivalent roles since 2009, directing multi-billion-dollar initiatives and managing large-scale operations across diverse regions. Most recently, as Assistant Administrator for USAID’s Bureau for Europe and Eurasia, she led the agency’s largest budget ($30 billion) and a workforce of 750 professionals across 17 locations, advising on regional dynamics and testifying before Congress to safeguard U.S. interests.

Previously, as U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, she spearheaded U.S. strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific, countering geopolitical threats and reinforcing regional stability. Her leadership in crisis management, economic diplomacy, and security strategy shaped U.S. foreign policy in the region and strengthened American influence against strategic competitors. Her regional strategy was later adopted by the White House as a key pillar of U.S. Indo-Pacific policy.

Before her diplomatic service, Ambassador McKee built a strong foundation in the private sector, holding leadership positions in capital investment, project management, and legal affairs. This business acumen has been instrumental in fostering economic growth, supporting U.S. enterprises abroad, and navigating complex financial landscapes. A sought-after speaker and media contributor, Ambassador McKee excels in articulating complex global challenges in clear and actionable terms. She has been widely recognized for her contributions to international security and diplomacy, receiving the Presidential Distinguished Service Award, as well as numerous Superior and Meritorious Honor Awards.

Ambassador McKee holds an MBA and an MA in International Studies from the University of Washington, along with a BA in Economics, Political Science, and Russian Language from the University of California, Davis. She speaks Russian, Spanish, and Bahasa Indonesian. She and her family currently reside in the Washington, D.C. area.

Guest Speaker

Mr. Salvator Niyonzima of Burundi has recently retired from active service in the United Nations.  Salvator devoted about 40 years of his life to public service, 25 of which were in international development, health and humanitarian efforts.

Salvator served as UN Resident Coordinator in Benin for 3 years (2021-2024) and in Lesotho for 4 years (2017-2021).  Before then, Salvator served as UNAIDS Country Director for 13 years, in Namibia (2004-2008), Gabon (2008-2012), Burkina Faso (2012-2015) and Madagascar (2015-2017, covering Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles).  From 1999 to 2004, Salvator was Technical Advisor with UNAIDS Secretariat in Geneva, working on the Greater Involvement of People Living with or Affected by HIV and AIDS (GIPA).

Before joining the UN System in 1999, Salvator served as Chief of Cabinet at Ministry of Finance in Burundi (1997-1999), Lecturer at the University of Burundi (1988-1997); and Junior Advisor in the country’s President’s Office (1988-1993). Salvator began his career as a high school French Language Teacher and Deputy Principal (1979-1981 and 1985-1987).

An accomplished leader, Salvator went on to become a professional/life coach.  He is currently completing his certification program with the Co-Active Training Institute.  He previously obtained a master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Fresno; a Post Graduate Diploma in the Management of HIV/AIDS in the World of Work from Stellenbosch University (South Africa) ; and a Bachelor of Arts, French Language and Literature from the University of Burundi, Bujumbura.

Salvator has a passion for community and personal development, thought leadership, education and coaching/mentoring.

To register for this webinar, visit the Zoom Registration Page.