WASHINGTON - The U.S. Institute of Peace announced today that Brenda Oppermann, most recently a policy advisor on gender and democracy issues with USAID's Iraq Reconstruction Office, will be chief of party at the Institute's Baghdad office starting in January. A. Heather Coyne, the current chief of party, will return to Washington to work as a senior program officer in the Institute's new Center for Conflict Management and Resolution.

"The Baghdad office is essential to our Iraq programs because it allows us to work directly with Iraqis involved in governance, mediation, and education," said Institute President Richard Solomon. "Brenda will be a great addition to the office given her extensive experience in Iraq and knowledge of reconstruction policy issues."

Oppermann is an international development assistance consultant with extensive experience in project management, primarily in postconflict situations. At USAID, she designed and implemented an action plan focusing on women's economic self-sufficiency and gender equality in the democratic process. She has also developed policy and managed projects at the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, as well as a variety of NGOs, focusing on rule of law, democratization, human rights, refugees and internally displaced people, gender issues, elections, humanitarian relief, and civil-military affairs. She holds a J.D. focused on international and human rights law from Western New England College.

"The Institute's work in Iraq has evolved to meet new challenges, and Brenda's breadth of experience and leadership will help us continue to develop and implement innovative and effective programs," said Daniel Serwer, the Institute's vice president for postconflict peace and stability operations and head of Iraq programs.

Oppermann is currently in Washington, and will leave for Iraq in mid-January. Coyne will return to the Washington area in late January. For more information about the U.S. Institute of Peace or to schedule an interview, please contact Iris Pilika in the Office of Public Affairs and Communications at (202) 429-3828 or at ipilika@usip.org.