Professional Experience:
Lisa Witte is a purpose-driven international development leader with over 20 years of experience shaping U.S. foreign assistance strategy and leading complex global programs across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. She brings deep expertise in policy, strategy execution, and cross-sector partnerships, having managed development budgets exceeding $8 billion and programming hundreds of millions of dollars for transformative programs.
At the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Lisa served in multiple senior leadership roles advancing equitable, sustainable development. As Director of the Program Office and Acting Deputy Coordinator for Power Africa, she directed a $400 million energy portfolio that delivered over 4,500 MW of new generation capacity, expanding electricity access for millions. She strengthened initiative-wide accountability and performance through strategic planning and streamlined reporting systems, while fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment across a 60-person multinational team. Recognized as a thought leader in clean energy and inclusive growth, she has represented Power Africa at major policy and investment forums across the continent.
Previously, as Program Office Director and Acting Mission Director for USAID/Sudan, Lisa guided U.S. development strategy during Sudan’s democratic transition. Through strategic diplomacy and negotiation with U.S. policymakers, international donors, and Sudanese officials, she managed the expansion of U.S. development funding from $13 million to $700 million and established the first U.S.-Sudan Development Objective Grant Agreement. Her leadership supported health, economic recovery, agricultural growth, and conflict mitigation, while aligning international assistance with Sudan’s nascent reform agenda and peacebuilding priorities during the revolution from 2019-2021.
Earlier, as Director of the Pakistan Desk and Program Office of the Office of Afghanistan & Pakistan Affairs, Lisa oversaw a $3 billion assistance portfolio, providing strategic leadership in one of USAID’s most complex operational contexts. She ensured U.S. resources were aligned with security, governance, and development goals, while strengthening coordination with the State Department, Congress, and other interagency partners.
Her career also includes regional and policy leadership at USAID’s Bureau for Africa and the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Foreign Assistance, where she managed an $8 billion Africa portfolio and secured Congressional increases for Sudan and regional programs. Earlier roles at World Vision in Indonesia and Washington, D.C., grounded her work in community-driven development, grant management, and program design.
Across every role, Lisa has been recognized for her ability to unite diverse teams, build trust across sectors, and translate strategic vision into measurable results. She has led operations through periods of major change, whether post-conflict recovery, democratic transitions, or large-scale systems reform, while maintaining a steady focus on results, inclusion, and local empowerment.