Peace Corps Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Peace Corps has 10 executives leading key functions including organizational strategy, information technology, administrative operations, and financial management.

Committed to fostering international cooperation, Peace Corps drives sustainable development by deploying volunteers to address critical global challenges in education, health, and economic growth across diverse international communities.

Leadership Roles at Peace Corps

  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Kris Besch
  • Chief Financial Officer - Daisy Friday
  • Budget Analyst & Chief Financial Officer, Office of - Andrea Aribe
  • Expert, Office of the Chief Financial Officer - Kari Abood
  • Director, Chief Financial Officer and Financial Systems - Mourad Jazouli
  • Director, Finance & Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Tracie Hamilton
  • Chief Information Officer - Michael Terry
  • Chief of Staff - Sarah Gerwin
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Jim Schank
  • Chief Administrative Officer, Office of External Affairs (Acting) - Amaka Okafor
  • Kris Besch - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Kris Besch, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Peace Corps, directs high-level operational initiatives to ensure organizational alignment with federal mandates. Overseeing cross-departmental collaboration, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer optimizes internal processes to support volunteer deployment across global regions. This leadership role involves refining strategic frameworks that govern international partnerships and grassroots development programs. By synchronizing agency resources, Kris Besch facilitates the execution of long-term goals related to education, health, and economic sustainability. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous oversight of program efficacy, ensuring that all field operations meet established performance benchmarks. Through constant evaluation of administrative workflows, Besch strengthens the capacity of the agency to respond to evolving international needs. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer secures the operational integrity required to maintain the mission of the organization within the complex landscape of global development.

    Daisy Friday - Chief Financial Officer

    Daisy Friday, the Chief Financial Officer at Peace Corps, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations required to sustain international volunteer programs. Overseeing the financial planning and analysis functions, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources are distributed effectively to support grassroots initiatives in agriculture, environment, and youth development. This leadership role involves maintaining strict compliance with federal financial regulations while optimizing the use of taxpayer funds. By implementing rigorous auditing processes, Daisy Friday drives transparency and accountability across all financial operations. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align fiscal strategies with the long-term mission of the agency. Through the management of complex funding streams, Friday secures the financial stability necessary for continuous global operations. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer provides the economic oversight required to maximize the impact of volunteer service in diverse international markets.

    Andrea Aribe - Budget Analyst & Chief Financial Officer, Office of

    Andrea Aribe, the Budget Analyst & Chief Financial Officer, Office of at Peace Corps, executes detailed financial modeling to support the allocation of resources for international development projects. Overseeing the preparation of budgetary reports, the Budget Analyst & Chief Financial Officer, Office of ensures that fiscal data accurately reflects the operational needs of the agency. This leadership role involves analyzing expenditure patterns to identify opportunities for cost savings and improved resource efficiency. By providing actionable financial insights, Andrea Aribe supports the strategic planning efforts of the senior leadership team. The Budget Analyst & Chief Financial Officer, Office of maintains precise records of funding utilization, ensuring that all expenditures align with federal guidelines and agency priorities. Through the continuous monitoring of financial performance, Aribe facilitates the effective management of capital across various global programs. Ultimately, the Budget Analyst & Chief Financial Officer, Office of secures the fiscal accuracy necessary for sustained organizational success.
    Andrea Aribe

    Kari Abood - Expert, Office of the Chief Financial Officer

    Kari Abood, the Expert, Office of the Chief Financial Officer at Peace Corps, provides specialized technical guidance on complex financial systems and regulatory compliance. Overseeing the implementation of advanced fiscal policies, the Expert, Office of the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the agency adheres to the highest standards of financial integrity. This leadership role involves evaluating the impact of economic shifts on international operations and recommending adjustments to budgetary strategies. By leveraging deep industry knowledge, Kari Abood drives the optimization of financial processes that support volunteer deployment and grassroots development. The Expert, Office of the Chief Financial Officer collaborates with internal teams to resolve intricate fiscal challenges and improve reporting accuracy. Through the application of expert analysis, Abood strengthens the financial framework of the agency. Ultimately, the Expert, Office of the Chief Financial Officer ensures that fiscal resources are managed with precision to support the long-term mission of the organization.

    Mourad Jazouli - Director, Chief Financial Officer and Financial Systems

    Mourad Jazouli, the Director, Chief Financial Officer and Financial Systems at Peace Corps, manages the integration of financial software and data systems to enhance fiscal transparency. Overseeing the maintenance of core accounting platforms, the Director, Chief Financial Officer and Financial Systems ensures that financial data remains accurate and accessible for decision-making. This leadership role involves upgrading system capabilities to support the evolving needs of international operations and volunteer support. By streamlining financial workflows, Mourad Jazouli drives efficiency in reporting and resource management. The Director, Chief Financial Officer and Financial Systems collaborates with IT and finance teams to ensure that technological solutions meet the rigorous demands of federal financial oversight. Through the continuous improvement of financial systems, Jazouli supports the overall fiscal health of the agency. Ultimately, the Director, Chief Financial Officer and Financial Systems maintains the digital infrastructure necessary for reliable and compliant financial management.

    Tracie Hamilton - Director, Finance & Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Tracie Hamilton, the Director, Finance & Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Peace Corps, supervises the daily financial operations and reporting cycles that sustain agency activities. Overseeing the accounting department, the Director, Finance & Deputy Chief Financial Officer ensures that all financial transactions are processed in accordance with federal standards. This leadership role involves managing the cash flow and liquidity requirements for international programs, ensuring that resources reach the field as needed. By coordinating with internal stakeholders, Tracie Hamilton drives the development of accurate financial forecasts that inform strategic planning. The Director, Finance & Deputy Chief Financial Officer maintains rigorous internal controls to prevent errors and ensure the integrity of financial statements. Through the effective management of finance personnel, Hamilton supports the operational readiness of the agency. Ultimately, the Director, Finance & Deputy Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation required to achieve the mission of the organization.

    Michael Terry - Chief Information Officer

    Michael Terry, the Chief Information Officer at Peace Corps, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for managing global volunteer networks and secure data communications. Overseeing the modernization of information systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that technological tools support grassroots development efforts in remote international locations. This leadership role involves implementing robust cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive agency data while facilitating seamless connectivity for staff and volunteers. By integrating advanced analytics into operational workflows, Michael Terry drives data-informed decision-making across all agency departments. The Chief Information Officer manages the lifecycle of enterprise software, ensuring that digital platforms remain scalable and resilient against emerging threats. Through the deployment of innovative communication technologies, Terry enhances the ability of the agency to coordinate complex logistics across diverse geographic regions. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer maintains the technological foundation essential for achieving mission-critical objectives in the global economy.

    Sarah Gerwin - Chief of Staff

    Sarah Gerwin, the Chief of Staff at Peace Corps, coordinates executive communications and streamlines the decision-making processes for the senior leadership team. Overseeing the integration of policy initiatives, the Chief of Staff ensures that departmental activities remain consistent with the overarching mission of the agency. This leadership role involves managing high-priority projects that span education, health, and economic development sectors. By facilitating collaboration between internal stakeholders and external partners, Sarah Gerwin drives organizational efficiency and clarity in strategic execution. The Chief of Staff monitors the progress of key performance indicators, providing the necessary oversight to keep agency operations on track. Through the management of executive workflows, Gerwin enables the leadership team to focus on long-term growth and international impact. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff maintains the structural cohesion required to support the deployment of volunteers and the achievement of sustainable development goals worldwide.

    Jim Schank - Chief Administrative Officer

    Jim Schank, the Chief Administrative Officer at Peace Corps, directs the internal support services and facilities management required to maintain agency operations. Overseeing the administrative infrastructure, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that staff and volunteers have the necessary resources to perform their duties effectively. This leadership role involves managing real estate, procurement, and logistics to support the global footprint of the organization. By optimizing administrative workflows, Jim Schank drives operational efficiency and reduces overhead costs. The Chief Administrative Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align facility and service capabilities with the strategic goals of the agency. Through the management of essential support functions, Schank enables the organization to focus on its core mission of international development. Ultimately, the Chief Administrative Officer maintains the physical and operational environment necessary for the success of the agency in a competitive global landscape.

    Amaka Okafor - Chief Administrative Officer, Office of External Affairs (Acting)

    Amaka Okafor, the Chief Administrative Officer, Office of External Affairs (Acting) at Peace Corps, manages the administrative functions that support external partnerships and public engagement. Overseeing the coordination of outreach activities, the Chief Administrative Officer, Office of External Affairs (Acting) ensures that the agency maintains strong relationships with international stakeholders and domestic partners. This leadership role involves streamlining the administrative processes that govern external communications and program promotion. By facilitating effective collaboration between the agency and its external network, Amaka Okafor drives the visibility and impact of volunteer initiatives. The Chief Administrative Officer, Office of External Affairs (Acting) monitors the administrative requirements of external affairs projects, ensuring that all activities remain aligned with the mission of the organization. Through the management of external-facing operations, Okafor supports the growth and sustainability of the agency. Ultimately, the Chief Administrative Officer, Office of External Affairs (Acting) secures the administrative support necessary for successful public engagement.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Peace Corps Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Peace Corps?
    Peace Corps is led by Kris Besch (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Daisy Friday (Chief Financial Officer) and Andrea Aribe (Budget Analyst & Chief Financial Officer, Office of).
    Who is part of Peace Corps’s executive team?
    The executive team of Peace Corps includes leaders such as Kris Besch (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), Daisy Friday (Chief Financial Officer), Andrea Aribe (Budget Analyst & Chief Financial Officer, Office of) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Peace Corps have?
    Peace Corps has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Peace Corps’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Peace Corps includes roles such as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Budget Analyst & Chief Financial Officer, Office of, Expert, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Director, Chief Financial Officer and Financial Systems.