WASHINGTON, D.C. – Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Ronald A. Tschetter was sworn in today as the 17th director of the Peace Corps. Director Tschetter, who was nominated by the president on July 25, was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate on September 13. Mr. Tschetter is the third director in the Peace Corps' history to have served as a Peace Corps Volunteer.

"As a Peace Corps Volunteer in India, I came to understand the true spirit of service and now, over three decades later, I am ready to give back to the Peace Corps in an entirely new capacity," said Director Tschetter. "I am truly honored to serve President Bush and the 7,810 volunteers in the field, as well as staff around the world."

Director Tschetter and his wife, Nancy, served as Peace Corps Volunteers from 1966-68 in India as community health workers. After returning home from India, Director Tschetter worked in the financial securities industry for over 30 years, gaining strong management and leadership skills throughout his distinguished career.

Prior to his Peace Corps appointment, Director Tschetter was the president of D.A. Davidson & Co. in Montana, the largest full-service investment firm based in the northwest, a position he held for 2-1/2 years. Before that, he served as president of the Private Client Group for Dain Rauscher, a position he held for ten years until his retirement in 2001. Director Tschetter began his career in 1970 with Blyth Eastman Dillon Union Securities and joined Dain Rauscher in 1973.

Director Tschetter is an active public servant and has received numerous awards for leadership and community service. He has served on the Securities Industry Association sales and marketing committee and on the New York Stock Exchange Regional Firms advisory committee. He was chairman of the board of trustees of Bethel University (formerly Bethel College and Seminary) in St. Paul, Minn.; chairman of the board of Daystar U.S., an affiliate of Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya; and director of the Community Bank of Plymouth, Minn. He also is a former chairman of the National Peace Corps Association.

Director Tschetter holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and social studies from Bethel College. He and Nancy have two grown sons and three grandchildren.

Director Tschetter replaces Gaddi H. Vasquez, who recently became the United States Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture in Rome.

The Peace Corps is celebrating a 45-year legacy of service at home and abroad, and a 30-year high for Volunteers in the field. Since 1961, more than 182,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 138 countries where Volunteers have served. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.

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