John E. Hanson

John E. Hanson is a highly experienced development professional with extensive expertise in program management, team leadership, and capacity building across various international contexts. Currently serving as a Program Specialist with the Peace Corps since September 2022, John supports the Virtual Service Pilot, enhancing participant engagements with Host Country Partners. Previously, John was the Regional Team Lead for West & Central Africa at USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives, where leadership during critical transitions led to superior program performance. With a robust background that includes roles as Chief Program Officer at Roca, Inc. and Country Director at Mercy Corps, John has successfully managed budgets exceeding $100 million, implemented key development programs, and mentored diverse teams across multiple countries, all while focusing on sustainability and community impact. John's academic credentials include a Master's degree in Development Administration and Management from the University of Manchester and a Bachelor's degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.