John A. Simon Biography

"Africa: A Continent of Opportunities -- Building Partnerships for Success,"

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate one individual to serve in his Administration. The President intends to nominate John A. Simon, of Maryland, to be Representative of the United States of America to the African Union with the Rank and Status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

Mr. Simon currently serves as Executive Vice President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. Prior to this, he served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Relief, Stabilization, and Development for the National Security Council at the White House. Earlier in his career, he served as Director of Development Issues at the National Security Council. Mr. Simon received his bachelor's degree from Princeton University and his master's degree from Harvard University. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary July 17, 2008

Nominated by President George W. Bush, John A. Simon was sworn in as Executive Vice President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation in April 2006.

As OPIC Executive Vice President John helped Africans get the financing needed to build and own their own homes all across the continent. As part of the African Mortgage Market Initiative,". That program, directed the U.S. government -- including OPIC -- to try to develop mortgage markets in Africa. OPIC has launched nine projects and provided financing or insurance worth about $360 million in Africa's housing sector.

The Lilayi Housing Project in particular -- which is a private sector initiative -- will leverage more than $100 million in new housing construction, generate 5,000 new homes and serve as a model for future housing projects in sub-Saharan Africa, according to an OPIC fact sheet.

Prior to his OPIC appointment, Mr. Simon served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Relief, Stabilization and Development for the National Security Council (NSC) at the White House. From 2003 to 2005, he served as Director of Development Issues at the NSC.

From 2002 to 2003, Mr. Simon was Deputy Assistant Administrator at the United States Agency for International Development, overseeing the agency’s development information and evaluation units. Earlier in his career, he served as Director of Business Finance and Strategic Planning at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. He also worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Executive Office for Administration and Finance in several capacities, including Deputy Director for Research and Development.
Mr. Simon received his bachelor's degree from Princeton University and a master's degree in public policy from Harvard University.

SOURCES:

• Personnel Announcement
• John A. Simon: Executive Vice President
• Helping Africans Become Homeowners