About the Webinar:

The Standards Alliance (URL) was launched in 2013 as a public-private partnership between the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) designed to assist developing countries in effectively implementing their commitments under the WTO's Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) agreement. It is one of the first US technical assistance funding mechanisms dedicated to topics including standards and technical regulations. The Standards Alliance is currently working in ten countries/regions, including Central America; Columbia; East African Community; Indonesia; Mexico; Middle East/North Africa (Jordan and Morocco); Peru; Southern Africa; Vietnam; and Yemen (Gulf Cooperation Council). ANSI and USAID will provide an overview of the project, including opportunities for experts and stakeholders from the private sector to become involved.   

LEVEL:  Beginner

About the Speakers:

Cory O'Hara is the Division Chief for Regulatory Reform programs within the USAID Trade and Regulatory Reform Office. Cory has more than a decade of experience designing and managing private-sector development activities in developing countries related to enterprise development, investment climate, and trade. Prior to USAID, Mr. O'Hara worked for the Departments of State and Defense on economic and security programs in South and Central Asia.

Leslie McDermott leads ANSI's international development activities, including advocacy and program development to strengthen communication, increase transparency, and promote best practices for standardization and regulatory and compliance programs. In addition to the Standards Alliance, Ms. McDermott has managed the implementation of projects designed to boost industry involvement in standardization and foster cooperation between US and foreign industry, and address development priorities such as clean air and public health. Ms. McDermott holds a Master's Degree in International Relations from Royal Holloway, University of London, a Bachelor's Degree from Boston University, and is certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP).