As project director for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Research Technical Assistance Center (RTAC), Sutherland leads NORC’s efforts to guide USAID in leveraging the global academic community to provide policy-relevant evidence-based research and technical assistance to inform international development programming. RTAC is a global network of university-affiliated researchers and development specialists that provides on-demand, multidisciplinary research and technical assistance for the U.S. Government. RTAC’s primary goal is to promote evidence-based policies and programs in the context of international development. In addition to being an experienced project leader, Sutherland has extensive expertise in knowledge management and organizational learning; trade and investment policy and promotion; public sector management; and organizational strategic planning, advocacy, and capacity building.

In addition to leading the RTAC team in general management, planning, and strategic issues, Sutherland directs and quality controls the production of communications outputs, research utilization and translation activities, workshop development, and professional training and capacity building. He also advises USAID on program design, partnerships, and internal organizational management and strategy.

Sutherland has extensive experience in international development and program design and management, working with multiple donors, private clients, and U.S. and foreign government agencies. Sutherland’s previous senior leadership and management roles include serving as the Chief of Party for the Knowledge Sharing and Analysis project, which was USAID/Africa Bureau’s first knowledge management initiative focused on the $200 million African Global Competitiveness Initiative, and the Removal of Investment Constraints in Kazakhstan project, which focused on improving the country’s business environment for private investment. He has also served as the Investment Policy Component Leader for the Caribbean Open Trade Support Project, a Practice Area Manager for The Services Group, Inc., and the Team Leader for some 20 projects overseas. He successfully completed overseas assignments in 42 countries and territories in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East. He has resided in Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Antigua and Barbuda to implement international education and economic projects. Sutherland’s previous professional experience also includes senior positions with Segura Consulting LLC, Center for Financial Engineering in Development, Public Education Fund Network, and the American University in Cairo.