Former Ambassador David M. Robinson Named JRS/USA Executive Director

BY ISN STAFF | March 13, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Jesuit Refugee Service/USA on Monday announced that David (Rob) M. Robinson has been appointed executive director. In more than 45 countries, JRS accompanies, serves and advocates for the rights of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons.  Robinson will assume his new duties on April 3, 2017.

Prior to joining JRS/USA, Robinson served the United States Department of State as a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service for 32 years. His career in the State Department included appointments as: U.S. Ambassador to Guyana; Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration; Assistant Chief of Mission in Kabul, Afghanistan; Deputy Principal High Representative in Bosnia; and most recently Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations.

“My concern for the well-being of refugees and other vulnerable migrants became a lasting commitment while I served in the State Department,” said Robinson. “I had the great privilege to work with African, Macedonian, Afghan and Syrian refugees. I have learned through experience that the greatest measure of success is engaging people in their circumstances, trying to improve conditions, but also knowing it is not simply about problem solving.  I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity with JRS in which I will work directly with and for the Jesuits in the service of refugees and the mission of the Church.”

Robinson was selected to lead JRS/USA following an extensive national search, during which time the organization was led by Fr. Leo O’Donovan, S.J., interim executive director. “We are delighted to welcome Rob to our leadership team during this time of unprecedented global displacement because of war, broken economies and failed countries.” said David McNulty, chair of the JRS/USA Board. “He is a person of deep faith who embraces our mission, Rob’s knowledge and experience on refugee matters is unparalleled. We are grateful that he will be guiding JRS at this very important time in our organization’s history.”