Dear colleagues,

It is with happiness, laced with sadness that I share the news that our colleague and friend, Carlos Cuellar, has decided to take a Leave of Absence from Abt Associates, and accepted an offer to work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he will be the Deputy Director for PHC Systems Strengthening in the Integrated Delivery Team. This is a unique opportunity for Carlos to make a difference in development from the donor perspective, to design rather than implement a program. It will also be a learning experience with regard to effecting change and impacting people’s lives through Foundation work. And frankly, Carlos' position will also afford Abt an opportunity to learn about Gates' highest priority - PHC service delivery, from within. Carlos will assume his new duties in October. We are working on a transition plan and will communicate further details this week. 

Carlos has nearly 15 years of successful work and leadership at Abt, extending across continents from the Dominican Republic to Jordan to Mozambique. He has been a stellar COP, provided top-notch technical assistance and management oversight, served in central and bilateral projects, and is an Abt Fellow. Dr Cuellar is a global thought leader in public health, highly respected by governments, clients, university colleagues and partners across the globe. We will sorely miss him. So, please join me in wishing Carlos success in this new opportunity, but also in wishing his rapid return! 

Diana