WACC Presents: Six Decades of USAID
March 12, 2026
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Charleston Library Society
164 King Street
Charleston, SC
USAID was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to unify America’s foreign aid programs and deliver benefits both abroad and at home. Internationally, as well as in South Carolina, the agency’s work created tangible economic value.
With the agency now largely closed and the future of foreign aid uncertain, the Charleston Library Society is thrilled to host a panel of former USAID professionals from the Charleston area to share insights about the inner workings of the organization and how things were implemented on the partner side, as well as what foreign aid could look like in our future.
Moderated by author and journalist Adam Parker, the panel consists of five USAID alumni: Robbie Harris, strategic communications expert; John Simpkins, former general counsel; Brady Anderson, former director; Carmen Buero Conley, international development specialist; and Julie Grier-Villatte, strategist and global operations leader. Together, they will examine a legacy of foreign policies and practices that spanned six decades.
For more information or to register for this event click here.
–Tidelines Editors
(Image credit: World Affairs Council of Charleston)