Washington, DC – Lorne W. Craner, President of IRI, was confirmed by the United State Senate as a member of the Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

MCC is a United States government corporation based on the principle that aid is most effective when it reinforces good governance, economic freedom and investments in people.  MCC’s mission is to reduce global poverty through the promotion of sustainable economic growth.

Craner was nominated to the MCC Board by President George W. Bush in May 2007.

Prior to returning to IRI, Craner was Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor for U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell where he helped construct the Millennium Challenge Account’s “good governance’ criteria.  For his work at the Department of State, Craner was awarded the Distinguished Service Award, the department’s highest honor. Craner served as IRI’s President from 1995 to 2001.  He joined IRI as Vice President for programs in 1993.  He has also served as Director of Asian Affairs at the National Security Council, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs, Foreign Policy Advisor to Senator John McCain from 1986 to 1989 and Foreign Policy Advisor to Congressman Jim Kolbe.

Craner sits on the boards of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations and the Internews Network (a nonprofit organization supporting open media worldwide).  He is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. 

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