“USIP shares its congratulations to Ambassador Carson. There is no better qualified person to serve in this important, new role,” said USIP Board of Directors Chair Ambassador George Moose, “Having worked side-by-side with Johnnie for decades, I know the commitments made during the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit will not fade under his watch.”

“Johnnie’s tremendous skill and reputation are well-known both here and in Africa,” added Vice Chair Judy Ansley.

Carson will continue in his role as senior advisor for USIP’s Africa Center, where he has engaged with many of the issues highlighted during the summit. His 37-year career in the foreign service includes ambassadorships to Kenya, Zimbabwe and Uganda. Among other posts, the ambassador has also served as assistant secretary of state for the bureau of African affairs, national intelligence officer for Africa at the National Intelligence Council, and as the senior vice president of the National Defense University in Washington, D.C.

“Ambassador Carson’s passion, diplomatic know-how, well-established network of leaders and civil society members and the unwavering dedication that he’s used so effectively both in government and at USIP make him a perfect choice that should inspire confidence in Washington and in African capitals,” said Lise Grande, USIP president and CEO.

“[T]here is not a better signal or a better person, in terms of the fact that we are going to have a real, genuine follow-up, than the fact that Johnnie Carson is going to be riding herd over that day in, day out. And if he puts his mind to something, he will get it done,” said U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan at a press conference at the summit.

In response to the appointment, Carson said, “I am humbled to serve in this new role. The coming months will be a critical time to cement the progress made at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit to ensure the United States and African nations’ relationships are bolstered and expanded as we partner ahead on the African Union’s Agenda 2063.”