Natsios was recognized for contributions during his years overseeing USAID
Andrew S. Natsios, an executive professor in the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs, was honored May 19 for his contributions to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which he oversaw in the early 2000s.
Natsios received the Extraordinary Public Service Award at the Foreign Policy for America 2025 Leadership Summit. During his acceptance speech, he praised the dedication and sacrifices of USAID personnel and applauded efforts to preserve their legacy, such as the memorial wall (which was recently moved to the headquarters of the State Department, which now oversees USAID).
In his speech, Natsios said: “I held seven leadership positions in my career in the public and private sectors, and USAID are the bravest, most competent, brightest and most dedicated professionals I have served with.”
Natsios received the award alongside Samantha Power, also a former USAID administrator. Natsios held the position from 2001 to early 2006. In 2012, he became director of the Scowcroft Institute (part of The Bush School of Government and Public Service), a position from which he is in the process of retiring to focus on teaching and research. He warned that eliminating USAID’s expertise – especially in humanitarian aid, pandemic response, and agricultural development – leaves the U.S. dangerously unprepared for growing global threats, including forced migration, food insecurity and future pandemics.
“The dismantling of USAID has destroyed the one U.S. government institution with expertise and project and policy management skills to address these challenges and protect the American people,” he said.
He concluded his remarks by highlighting two promising initiative – AID Transition Alliance Project and AID on the Hill – as efforts to preserve USAID’s legacy and chart a constructive path forward.
Natsios said the award, and the recognition for both USAID and the staff who worked with him, ultimately reflect their enduring efforts.
“They should be honored for their careers of service, not attacked,” he said. “They have put themselves in harm’s way, others have been wounded in action, and some have paid the ultimate price. We have tried over the years to honor those who have gone before us at USAID.”
