Sierra Leonean Descent, Chidi Blyden Joins MCC as Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Chidi Blyden, of Sierra Leonean descent, has assumed the role of Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

Blyden’s appointment comes after a distinguished career in government, academia, and the non-profit sector, where she has been recognized with awards, including the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service.

Chidi Blyden brings a wealth of experience to her new role at MCC, having most recently served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs at the United States Department of Defense. In this capacity, she served as the principal advisor on international security strategy and policy issues across the African continent.

MCC, an independent U.S. government agency, is dedicated to reducing global poverty through economic growth. With two-thirds of its programs focused on Africa, Blyden’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to further strengthen MCC’s impact on the continent.

MCC’s CEO, Alice Albright, expressed enthusiasm about Blyden’s appointment, stating, “Not only will Chidi bring tremendous expertise and depth of experience in the region, but her inclusive, people-oriented leadership style will be an excellent match as this agency continues to lean in and step up its ambition following twenty years of excellence.”

Chidi Blyden’s career has revolved around the impact of culture on policy development and community-centric approaches to security and stability. Her work has emphasized the critical role of women and youth, making her a fitting addition to MCC’s mission.

Chidi Blyden herself commented on her new role, saying, “I am thrilled to join the dynamic MCC team as they continue to lead the way on innovative development programs and partner alongside governments to promote economic growth.” She emphasized MCC’s ambitious agenda, which seeks to align U.S. and global interests in the 21st century world through a collaborative approach, working with governments and the private sector to foster prosperity worldwide.

This appointment marks a continuation of Chidi Blyden’s service in the public sector, which began in 2021 when she was appointed as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs in the Biden Administration at the Pentagon. Her contributions in various roles demonstrate a commitment to enhancing international security and promoting economic growth, making her a key figure in the journey to alleviate global poverty through economic development.