Name: Lee Lacy
SPP Program of Study: Program for Social and Organizational Learning (PSOL, now ODKM, Organization Development and Knowledge Management)
Degrees: B.A. Georgia State University - History; M.A.T. Stanford University; Certificate: Organizational Development Georgetown University, M.A. – PSOL, George Mason University
Why She Chose Mason's School of Public Policy: The Program for Social and Organizational Learning met the needs I felt I needed for deeper technical knowledge of organizational learning and knowledge management. At that time I had 20 years of professional experience and had completed a certificate course in organizational development and wanted to learn more. The design of the program allowed me to continue to work full time and attend the graduate program.
Peace Corps and SPP: When I was the Chief of the Field Assistance Division with the Peace Corps, (part of the Center for Field Assistance and Applied Research, now known as the Office of Program and Training Support), many of the technical experts in the office knew about Appreciative Inquiry. School of Public Policy Professor Tojo Thatchenkery contacted me and told me about his group of students interested in applying Appreciative Inquiry to Peace Corps. Our collaboration provided an opportunity for the team of students to determine if we were a "learning organization" and if we applied principles of knowledge management.
I have worked with Peace Corps off and on since 1971 when I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Western Samoa. Most recently I served for 3.5 years as the Peace Corps Director in Armenia where I led a group of 100 Americans giving two years of their lives to serve their country. It was the best job I have ever had. As I departed the Ambassador gave me a distinguished service award for which I am very proud. I served as the Chief of Field Assistance for five years providing technical assistance to Peace Corps staff in more than 70 countries. I worked as an internal consultant providing training and organizational development activities in more than 30 countries.
Current Position: After the Peace Corps, Lacy was looking for another meaningful opportunity. At that time she said, "I am looking for another great challenge that will allow me to serve my country." Lacy appears to have found that challenge. She is now the Development Advisor with U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)/Afghanistan.
Kelly McCormack, Public Affairs Specialist with the Peace Corps Office of Communications contributed to this article.