For Immediate Release, September 27, 2011
Contact: Allison Sturma, 202-429-4725

(Washington) - The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) has appointed Col. Paul Hughes (U.S. Army, retired), as chief of staff. Hughes will play a key role in the continuing program coordination between USIP and the federal government, especially the Departments of Defense and State.

In previous assignments with USIP, Hughes led the stand-up of peace and stability operations for USIP in Iraq as director of Iraq programs. He was the executive director of the Quadrennial Defense Review Independent Panel. He also served as executive director of the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States.

"We are expanding our already significant support of military and civilians abroad by creating and providing state-of-the-art training capabilities," said Dr. Richard H. Solomon, USIP president. "These relationships provide decisive advantages for whole-of-government operations and peace and stability operations. Colonel Hughes's experience in international conflict management and peacebuilding will allow the Institute to better support national security and the needs of both the State and Defense departments."

Prior to joining USIP, Hughes served nearly 30 years on active duty with the Army. Among his assignments, he was a senior staff officer for the Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance and later with the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq. From 2000 to 2002, he was director of national security policy on the Army staff. From 1996 to 2000, he led U.S. landmine policy, the DOD response to Hurricane Mitch, the Turkish earthquakes, and the Mozambique floods for the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) as deputy director of the Office for Humanitarian Assistance and Anti-Personnel Landmine Policy. He has been awarded numerous campaign and service medals, including three Bronze Stars.

In announcing his selection, Solomon said, "Paul brings an extraordinary range of national security management and Institute leadership experience to this position. He has a full understanding of USIP’s programs and services to the Congress and the American people. His many years of diverse experiences will allow him to recognize opportunities where we can work collaboratively across the Institute and the government to enhance national security and increase our government’s ability to manage conflicts before they escalate.”
 

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The United States Institute of Peace is an independent, nonpartisan conflict management center created by Congress to prevent and mitigate international conflict without resorting to violence. USIP saves lives, increases the government’s ability to deal with conflicts before they escalate, reduces government costs, and enhances national security. USIP is headquartered in Washington, DC. To learn more visit www.usip.org.