Daniel Yohannes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel Yohannes
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| United States Ambassador to the OECD | |
| In office May 2, 2014 – January 20, 2017 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Karen Kornbluh |
| Succeeded by | Jack Markell |
| CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation | |
| In office November 2009 – May 2014 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | John Danilovich |
| Succeeded by | Sean Cairncross |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 22, 1952 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Saron Yohannes |
| Alma mater | Claremont McKenna College Pepperdine University |
Daniel W. Yohannes (Amharic: ዳንኤል ዮሐንስ; born September 22, 1952) is an Ethiopian-American businessman and helper of communities. He served as the U.S. Ambassador to the OECD from 2014 to 2017.
Before that, from 2009 to 2014, he was the CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). This is a U.S. agency that helps other countries. Before working for the government, he had a long career in the banking world. He was president of M&R Investments and held many roles at banks like U.S. Bank. In 2006, he helped oversee Denver's plan for a greener city. He also helped the Governor of Colorado when he was starting his term.
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Early Life and Education
Daniel Yohannes was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on September 22, 1952. He went to elementary school at Nativity Boys' School. Later, he attended St. Joseph’s, a well-known high school in Ethiopia. He can speak Amharic, which is the official language of Ethiopia.
In 1970, when he was 17, Daniel moved to the United States. He finished high school in Los Angeles. Then, he went to college. He earned a degree in economics from Claremont McKenna College. He also got a master's degree in business from Pepperdine University.
Daniel Yohannes is married to Saron Yohannes. They have three children together.
Career Highlights
Working in Banking
Yohannes started his career in the banking industry in 1977. He began as a trainee at Security Pacific National Bank. He worked his way up to become an executive vice president. In 1992, he moved to Denver. There, he became president of Colorado National Bank. During his time, the bank grew a lot. Colorado National Bank was later bought by U.S. Bank. Yohannes then became the CEO of U.S. Bank’s Colorado division. He later became a vice chairman at U.S. Bank. He left in 2003, wanting to try something new.
He cared about protecting the environment. So, in 2006, he helped start the New Resource Bank in San Francisco. This bank invests in projects that help the environment. Yohannes also led M&R Investments. This company focused on real estate and green businesses.
Leading the Millennium Challenge Corporation
In September 2009, President Barack Obama chose Yohannes to be the CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The MCC is a U.S. agency that works to reduce poverty around the world. It helps countries that show they are committed to good government.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved his nomination in November 2009. Yohannes said he wanted to help countries develop themselves. He believed MCC could show how to give smart aid. He wanted to encourage good policies and lasting results.
CNN called him "Obama's man on global development." Yohannes used his business skills at MCC. He wanted the agency to be run like a business. This would get the best results for American taxpayers. Under his leadership, MCC invested over $9 billion in 25 countries. These projects helped millions of people rise out of poverty.
Yohannes also led two trips for the President. The first was to Dakar, Senegal, in 2012. The second was to Accra, Ghana, in 2013. In June 2013, President Obama invited Yohannes to join him on a trip to Africa. They visited Senegal and Tanzania. There, they announced the Power Africa plan. MCC plays a part in this plan.
While at MCC, Yohannes emphasized that helping other countries is important for the U.S. economy and safety. He said that helping African countries also creates new markets for American products. He believed in a full approach to development. This means improving access to markets and encouraging trade.
Yohannes left MCC in 2014. He helped MCC become known as an agency that focuses on results. It also became known for using evidence and being open with its data.
U.S. Ambassador to the OECD
Daniel Yohannes became the U.S. Ambassador to the OECD on May 2, 2014. President Barack Obama nominated him in 2013. The U.S. Senate confirmed him in 2014.
As ambassador, Yohannes focused on important issues for the U.S. at the OECD. These included climate change, tax fairness, good government, development, and reducing inequality. He helped create new international tax rules. These rules help stop big companies from avoiding taxes. In 2015, he helped reach an agreement to limit money for coal power plants. He also worked to update the International Energy Agency (IEA).
In 2015, Yohannes started working to expand the OECD's efforts to address rising inequality. He wrote an article with the OECD Secretary-General. They argued that the U.S. could lead the way to fairer economic growth. He also created a "Friends of Inclusive Growth" group. This group helped local governments and businesses work together. He compared inequality to climate change. He believed that cities and businesses could lead the way in finding solutions. Yohannes supported creating a network of Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth. This group was launched in 2016. He also helped start an OECD effort on Business and Inclusive Growth.
Yohannes often said that the OECD was important for U.S. foreign policy. He believed it helped promote American values worldwide. He also strongly supported focusing on gender equality at the OECD. He argued that gender issues should be part of everything the OECD does. He also pushed for research on the economic benefits of LGBT inclusivity. Thanks to his efforts, the OECD started a project to develop policies for LGBT inclusivity.
Yohannes also shared how his experience as an immigrant inspired him. He wanted to give back to the country that gave him so much. He believed that America's diversity is its greatest strength. In 2016, he co-hosted the first Ethiopian American Policy Briefing at the White House. He told Ethiopian Americans that America's mix of cultures leads to success.
Community Service and Recognition
Yohannes has been very active in his community. He has served on many boards and organizations. He was on the board of Project C.U.R.E. This group sends medical supplies to developing countries. He also served on the board of the National Jewish Hospital. He helped fund a new research and medical facility there.
In 1997, Yohannes was a co-chairman for the 23rd G8 summit in Denver, Colorado. He helped raise the money needed to host this big international meeting. He was recognized for his important role in making the summit happen.
Yohannes also supported Denver Sister Cities International. He helped connect Denver with the Ethiopian city of Axum. In 1995, he led a group of Denver leaders to visit Axum.
He has also supported the arts. He served on the Smithsonian National Board. He was also on the board of directors for Media One (now Comcast). In 2006, he and his family helped create the first African art gallery at the Denver Art Museum. He also helped the museum get more African art.
He has shared his knowledge with many groups. These include the University of Washington Michael G. Foster School of Business and the Boy Scouts of America. On April 1, 2019, Yohannes was named a director of the new company, Dow Inc..
Awards and Honors
In February 2013, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave Yohannes a high honor. It was the State Department’s Secretary’s Distinguished Service Award.
In June 2013, Yohannes was invited to join the Council of Foreign Relations. This is a group of experts who discuss foreign policy.
In 2013, he was named to Washington Life Magazine’s Power 100 list. In 2012, he was on The Africa Report’s list of the top 50 most influential Africans.
Three foreign governments have also honored Yohannes. The Government of the Philippines gave him the Citation of the Order of Sikatuna. Benin gave him its National Order of Merit. He also received the Honduran Medal of Merit.
