I congratulate Wade Warren on his outstanding 27 years of service to USAID. Wade's professionalism and insight have left an indelible mark on this Agency. I am particularly grateful to Wade for his leadership as Acting Administrator during the transition, and for his guidance, as Acting Deputy Administrator, during my first months on the job.

His career has made an impact not only on me and the Agency, but also on the people we seek to help. It has been an honor to have Wade as a colleague and friend. We will all miss his candor, depth of knowledge, sense of humor, and avuncular nature. On behalf of USAID, I wish Wade the best on his new career in the private sector, and I thank him for his service to the United States and for his contributions to international development.