After nearly 16 years at the helm of USEFP as executive director, Rita Akhar has passed on the torch to Dr. Peter Morgan. Although we bid farewell to Akhtar with a heavy heart, we are excited to welcome her successor on board.
New beginnings
Dr. Moran is an accomplished international education professional and cultural anthropologist with nearly 30 years of experience in teaching, administration, and research. Before joining USEFP, he served as the director of the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program at the Institute of International Education (IIE) in Washington, DC, from 2019 to 2025. His distinguished career also includes a role as the director of Study Abroad within the Office of Global Affairs at the University of Washington in Seattle, where he facilitated global learning opportunities for students from 2009 to 2018.
From 2005 to 2009, Dr. Moran served as the executive director of the Fulbright Commission in Nepal. In this capacity, he worked closely with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the Department of State, IIE, and the U.S. Mission in Kathmandu, as well as with the Government of Nepal’s Ministries of Education and Foreign Affairs. His efforts promoted and administered Fulbright, Humphrey, and other exchange programs, and EducationUSA.
Dr. Moran holds a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Washington. His notable publication, “Buddhism Observed,” showcases his extensive fieldwork and research conducted in Kathmandu.
We look forward to Dr. Moran’s leadership and vision as we continue to promote educational opportunities and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and the United States.
A lasting legacy
Akhtar assumed the leadership mantle in November 2009, and during her decade-and-a-half tenure, she led the foundation with remarkable dedication, overseeing projects of great magnitude.
“I’m so excited to welcome Dr. Peter Moran to head USEFP as I finally retire. Working at USEFP has been an unbelievably rewarding experience, knowing how many lives we’ve touched and that we’ve made a lasting contribution to Pakistan’s development and to promoting understanding and friendship between the United States and Pakistan,” said Akhtar in her farewell message. “I cannot thank my amazing colleagues at USEFP enough for the wonderful years we’ve spent together. I’m also extremely grateful to have met so many grantees and alumni from both Pakistan and the United States who not only have remarkable achievements but are also just fun and enlightening to be around. Much gratitude also to my U.S. Government colleagues who have supported USEFP from Pakistan and Washington throughout the years and to all in the Government of Pakistan who have done the same. There are just too many people to thank and appreciate by name. You know who you are! I hope our paths will continue to cross from time to time. Meanwhile, I congratulate Dr. Moran on accepting the best job in the world!”
