ROCKVILLE, MD — Jacqui De Lacy, a recognized thought leader on international development in Australia, has been named Managing Director of Abt Associates’ Australia office. 
 
De Lacy joined Abt in 2014, as General Manager, International Development, responsible for the delivery and management oversight of the company’s international development projects in the Asia-Pacific region.  Most recently, she served as Vice President, Strategy and Technical Services, and has played a key role in expanding Abt’s reputation and capabilities in the Australian market.
 
Prior to joining Abt, De Lacy was one of Australia’s most senior government officials in international development. During her 16-year tenure at the Department of Foreign Assistance and Trade (formerly AusAID) she served as Minister (Development) Australian Embassy in Jakarta, where she oversaw the implementation of Australia’s largest and most successful aid program, which included more than 50 initiatives and grew by 50 percent in three years.  Other positions included, Global Crisis Response Coordinator, Assistant Director General, Papua New Guinea Branch and Counselor (Development) Australian Mission the UN.
 
“Jacqui has the strategic vision, in-depth experience and client relationship-building skills to accelerate Abt’s work to improve the lives and well-being of people in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia,” said Jay Knott, Abt’s Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer.  “She is a proven leader and a respected voice on development policy.” 
 
De Lacy succeeds Jane Thomason, who founded JTA International, which was acquired by Abt in 2013.  Thomason will serve as a senior global advisor for Abt Associates.
 

About Abt Associates
Abt Associates is an engine for social impact, dedicated to moving people from vulnerability to security.  Harnessing the power of data and our experts’ grounded insights, we provide research, consulting and technical services globally in the areas of health, environmental and social policy, technology and international development. http://www.abtassociates.com
 
Contact:
Mary F. Maguire
Mary_Maguire@abtassoc.com
301-347-5859