For Immediate Release, June 7, 2011
Contact: Allison Sturma, 202-429-4725

(Washington) –In a sign of continued commitment to international peacebuilding, the U.S. Senate has confirmed the addition of two prominent board members for the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), a congressionally funded international conflict management organization working in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world to resolve violent conflict.

Judith Ansley and John A. Lancaster, who were nominated to the Board by President Obama earlier this year, took the oath of office on Monday, June 6, at the USIP headquarters building in Washington.

Ms. Ansley most recently served as Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor at the National Security Council (NSC) from  2008 until January 20, 2009. Ms. Ansley previously served as Deputy National Security Advisor for Regional Affairs from 2007-2008, and began her service at the NSC in August 2005, as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for European Affairs. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University and a master’s degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

Mr. Lancaster, who earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his service during the Vietnam War, has been a civil rights attorney since 1974. He was director of Maryland’s Office for Individuals with Disabilities, and from 1991 to 2000 was a member of the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. He is a former executive director of the National Council on Independent Living. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from the University of Notre Dame.

"I am confident that Judith Ansley and John Lancaster will bring enormous value to the governance of the Institute said Richard H. Solomon, president of USIP.

Ms. Ansley and Mr. Lancaster fill existing vacancies on the Board of Directors and will serve on until 2015.

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The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) provides the analysis, training and tools that help to prevent, manage and end violent international conflicts, promote stability and professionalize the field of peacebuilding. USIP work in on the ground in conflict zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan has been credited with reducing U.S. troop casualties and allowing for troop reductions in some areas. Learn more at www.usip.org.