USAGM CEO implements critical changes on day one to fulfill legislative mandate

US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) CEO Michael Pack implemented critical changes on his first day to steer the agency back toward its mission: “to inform, engage, and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy.” Addressing the staff through an introductory email, Pack focused on his three goals: making the agency more effective; ensuring that nothing interferes with the ability to report the news; and improving agency morale. He reinforced his commitment to honoring the VOA’s charter, missions of the grantees and independence of the heroic journalists around the world. Pack’s message was met with an overwhelmingly positive response by staff and grantees, who personally reached out and candidly congratulated him. One noted, “you emphasized that we all have a mission that unfortunately some have forgotten in recent and past years, to the disgrace of all.” Another said, “I am sure that with your arrival we will be able to rejuvenate our agency, to get rid of any bias and partisanship, and will be able to adequately transmit America’s image and ideas to the outer world.” Hours later, Pack effected a series of significant and long-overdue actions to keep assurances to restructure the agency, fully in accordance with the law. As in every transition, Pack brings a leadership team that is committed to eradicating the known mismanagement and scandals that have plagued the agency for decades.