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The Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) is pleased to announce a dinner discussion with


The Honorable Richard G. Olson
Coordinating Director for Development and Economic Assistance
U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan

Thursday, June 2, 2011
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Washington, D.C.


Hosted by DAI


For more information on participation, please contact Meghan Hagberg at 212-490-0460 or via email.


Biographical Information

Richard G. Olson will begin his new position as Coordinating Director for Development and Economic Assistance (CDDEA) at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan in June 2011. CDDEA oversees all U.S. government non-military assistance to the Afghan nation. This includes giving guidance to a wide range of the U.S. Mission's sections, programs, agencies and offices in the field. It is a critical role in ensuring U.S. efforts in Afghanistan are coordinated and collaborative. Ambassador Olson just completed his post as Ambassador of the United States to the United Arab Emirates. Prior to that position, he served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Ambassador Olson served as Consul General at the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 2001 to 2003. Other overseas posts include Mexico, Uganda, Tunisia, Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia, where he served as the U.S. Embassy's Liaison Officer to General Schwarzkopf during the 1991 Gulf War. Ambassador Olson's assignments at the U.S. Department of State include positions with the Operations Center, NATO Desk, Office of Israel and Palestinian Affairs, and Office of Iraqi Affairs. He has also received the Exceptional Civilian Service Award from the Secretary of Defense for his service in Iraq and the U.S. Department of State's Superior Honor Award (three times).

Ambassador Olson received a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society and History from Brown University in 1981. He speaks Spanish, French and Arabic.