Jim Godfrey announced today the appointment of Dr. Pamela Anderson as the next Director General of the International Potato Center (CIP). “I look forward to working more closely with Dr. Anderson, continuing our valuable work in improving the livelihoods of farmers and communities of the developing world,” said Godfrey, the Chair of CIP’s Board of Trustees, at the start of their annual meeting.

Dr. Anderson, acknowledging the news, affirmed: “The leadership and investment over the past 30 years by the CIP Board of Trustees, Directors and scientists have resulted in a strong and vibrant center, with a demonstrated contribution to improving the well being of the world’s poorest people, for whom potatoes and sweetpotatoes are vital crops. It will be my honor and privilege to lead the International Potato Center and work with our donors, partners and beneficiaries.”

Dr. Anderson, a national of the United States of America, is a highly regarded entomologist and ecologist. She joined the International Potato Center in June 2002 as Deputy Director General for Research.

A leading expert on emerging plant diseases, Dr. Anderson has also done extensive research in virology, ecology, food production, human health and agricultural development for resource-poor farmers. She has worked in Latin America for more than 25 years, including over a decade in national agricultural research systems.

Since joining CIP, Dr. Anderson guided the Center through a Vision exercise, realigning the Center’s research and development program to bring it closely into harmony with the UN Millennium Development Goals and Targets.

Dr. Anderson will succeed Dr. Hubert Zandstra, who has led the Center successfully since 1991. “This appointment will ensure a smooth transition upon Dr. Zandstra’s retirement as Director General on April 30, 2005,” commented Godfrey.

The International Potato Center (CIP) is a Future Harvest Center supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). CIP seeks to reduce poverty and achieve food security on a sustained basis in developing countries through scientific research and related activities on potato, sweetpotato and other root and tuber crops, and on the improved management of natural resources in the Andes and other mountain areas.