Dorrett Byrd

Title: Director, Program Quality Support Department

Areas of Expertise: technical assistance, innovation in international development, program quality

Languages Spoken: English and French

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Biography

As director of the Program Quality Support Department at Catholic Relief Services, Dorrett Byrd manages provision of technical assistance (support and training in any area where a program or partner needs to develop strength) to CRS' country programs. In addition, she oversees implementation of the $350 million AIDSRelief antiretroviral therapy project. She has particular expertise on Africa-related issues.

Ms. Byrd began her career as a research associate with the Center for Policy Research before accepting a position with Africare's country office in Niger. In this role she designed and implemented development and relief projects including nutrition, fisheries, water and sanitation, and health programs.

Ms. Byrd also served as a consultant to the African Development Foundation on projects throughout West Africa. She next was named deputy director of the International Division of the National Council of Negro Women, where she oversaw operations of NCNW's programs in Africa. She later returned to the African Development Foundation as a research specialist, managing more than 64 research projects on African social and economic issues.

Ms. Byrd joined CRS in 1993 as country representative for Senegal with additional responsibilities for CRS-supported projects in Mali and Cape Verde. She subsequently served as country representative for CRS Liberia and CRS Ethiopia. She transitioned to headquarters in 2000 as deputy director for overseas operations.

A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Ms. Byrd holds a B.A. in African and African-American Studies from Brandeis University and a master's in international studies from the University of Denver.