Today: Jul 24, 2026

Jim Barnhart sworn in as mission director for Albania

1 min read
14 years ago
Change font size:

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 – Jim Barnhart has been sworn in as the new United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director for Albania, replacing Joseph Williams. Deputy Administrator Donald Steinberg administered the oath of office in Washington this week.
In his role as Mission Director, Dr. Barnhart will have primary responsibility for supporting Albania’s progress toward European Union accession, overseeing programs that aim to strengthen democratic institutions and governance, and accelerate private sector-led growth.
Dr. Barnhart most recently served as Mission Director for Lebanon. Prior, Dr. Barnhart was Associate Mission Director for Economic Growth and Education and the Acting Economic Growth Office Director in Pakistan. Dr. Barnhart also served in USAID’s Jordan Mission managing the Office of Economic Opportunity and in Zambia.
Before joining USAID, Dr. Barnhart worked in Egypt and the West Bank/Gaza, supporting programs for educational and economic development. Dr. Barnhart has a Ph.D. in economics from Georgia State University.

Latest from Business & Economy

The Chief Executive Officer of OTP Bank Albania, Mr. Bledar Shella, described this investment as a reflection of the bank’s vision to build long-term and sustainable relationships with its clients.

OTP Bank Albania inaugurates new Private Banking premises in Tirana

Change font size: - + Reset Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – OTP Bank Albania has inaugurated new premises dedicated to the Private Banking segment, unveiling an exclusive space designed for clients
2 months ago
2 mins read
Prof. Dr. Alaa Garad is President and Founding Partner of the Stirling Centre for Strategic Learning and Innovation, University of Stirling Innovation Park, Scotland. He is actively engaged in health tourism, higher education and organisational learning across the Western Balkans, including the Global Health Tourism Leadership Programme in Albania.

Building a Trusted Health Tourism Ecosystem: Albania’s Next Competitive Advantage

Change font size: - + Reset by Professor Alaa Garad Tirana Times, March 17, 2026 – There are countries you visit, and there are countries you remember. Albania is rapidly becoming the
4 months ago
7 mins read