New Carter Center CEO Chosen To 'Carry Forward The Vision'

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Paige Alexander

The human rights organization founded in 1982 by former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, announced Friday it appointed a new chief executive.

The Carter Center Board of Trustees chose Paige Alexander to replace former Ambassador Mary Ann Peters, who is retiring from her post with the Carter Center. Alexander's appointment comes following a wide-ranging global search that reached over 500 potential candidates and referral sources in over 20 countries. 

She is charged with leading the Center into its next era of building peace, health, and hope for the world’s poorest people, the organization said Friday in a news release.

Alexander, who worked with with missions and development programs in 25 countries as a regional leader at the U.S. Agency for International Development, said her life's work has been to lift up human rights.

“For years, I have observed and admired the work of The Carter Center on the ground and in global human rights, health and peace-keeping contexts," she said. "Joining the Center at this time of transition, when the founders’ vision, legacy and mission are needed more than ever, is the privilege of a lifetime.”

Jason Carter, who chairs the Center's Board of Trustees, said Alexander will continue the Center's work and “carry forward the vision and values of the Carter Center’s founders, my grandparents, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.”

Alexander's appointment is effective June 16.