Jody Olsen

Josephine “Jody” Olsen was sworn into office as the director of the Peace Corps in March 2018 and served until January 20, 2021. She had been appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

She has served in several leadership positions, such as Acting Director in 2009; Deputy Director from 2002 to 2009; Chief of Staff from 1989 to 1992; Regional Director in North Africa, Near East, Asia, the Pacific from 1981 to 1984; and Country Director in Togo from 1979 to 1981. She served for a time as the Acting Country Director for Kazakhstan. She began her career with the Peace Corps as a volunteer serving in Tunisia from 1966 to 1968.

She was Visiting Professor at the University of Maryland-Baltimore School of Social Work and Director of the University’s Center for Global Education Initiatives.

Olsen was born in Utah in 1942. She holds a doctorate degree in human development and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah. Her father, David S. King, was a U.S. Congressman and U.S. Ambassador.

She is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.