Annual Meeting 2003
The 39th Annual Meeting of
The Association for International Agriculture 
and Rural Development

"On Renewing Commitment to International Agriculture and Rural Development"
Speakers and Panelists

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Michael W. Deegan
ACDI/VOCA
Michael Deegan has been President and CEO of ACDI/VOCA since May 1996. He was selected by an interim board of directors of Agricultural Cooperative Development International and Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance to bring together the two National Council of Farmer Cooperatives-affiliated organizations into one unified organization to provide agricultural technical assistance and economic development support to farmers worldwide. ACDI/VOCA offers both long- and short-term assistance that focuses on economic growth at the grassroots level where long-lasting advancement begins and democratic traditions take hold. As appropriate, ACDI/VOCA provides a mix of volunteers and consultants, as well as methodologies honed through years of economic development success. This assistance is tailored to meet the unique needs of every ACDI/VOCA partner. Deegan was previously President and CEO of the United States Industry Coalition (USIC), a member organization of 86 high-technology companies and universities pursuing business opportunities in the Newly Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union. USIC is the industry element of the Department of Energy's Initiatives for Proliferation Prevention. As president of USIC Deegan traveled extensively in the NIS and met with government and business officials to develop business opportunities. He has also worked closely with key government and business officials, and coordinated program activities for development projects. Prior to joining USIC, Deegan worked for 18 years with Teledyne Corporation, including serving as a key member of the staff establishing Teledyne Environmental Systems, a start-up division of the corporation. He represented Teledyne Continental Motors and Teledyne Systems Company in Washington, and supported export activities of the divisions of Teledyne, Inc. In addition to his professional experience in electronics and aerospace, Deegan has participated in the management of a family farm in Missouri. As a participant in the President's Commission on Executive Exchange, he worked closely with the State Department to enhance the foreign affairs budget, including foreign assistance. In this capacity he worked extensively with the office of the President and attended an executive program at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. He has also participated in the Agribusiness Symposium at Harvard. He has a BS degree from the University of Alabama in Business and an MBA from California State University. He is a member of the Board of Directors of InterAction, Overseas Cooperative Development Council and National Defense Industrial Association. He is a member of the Board for International Food and Agriculture Development. Deegan is a 28-year veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, having served in various logistical and civil affairs positions. He has served in Germany, Somalia, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, and he participated in Desert Storm, Provide Comfort and Provide Relief.