Leadership Transition Statement from John Lee Evans, NPCA Board Chair
It is with profound gratitude for his service to National Peace Corps Association that I share the news NPCA President and CEO Dan Baker has decided to step down from his position at the end of the 2025 calendar year. Dan was selected as the Interim CEO in 2022 due to his widely recognized integrity and longtime commitment to the advancement of NPCA and the Peace Corps.
Following his interim appointment, he was asked by the board of directors to stay on for another year and later graciously committed to a longer appointment.
Dan’s legacy as the leader of NPCA is substantial. He inherited an organization that was in financial distress and made difficult decisions to right-size NPCA with the resources available. He managed and balanced a moderate annual budget every year, hired a small, talented staff that exemplifies a Peace Corps can-do attitude, and refocused NPCA on its core mission to advocate for a vibrant Peace Corps and support and unite RPCVs and affiliate groups. Dan accomplished all of this with poise and determination that culminated with the convening of hundreds of RPCVs for the first time in five years at the Peace Corps Connect conference in July of 2025. Other key accomplishments include the expansion of NPCA’s board of directors, the implementation of a new organizational database, the launch of a new online social media platform exclusively for RPCVs, and the expansion of digital publishing on NPCA’s social media channels and WorldView magazine. Perhaps most important, Dan led the NPCA’s advocacy efforts to protect the Peace Corps from the massive federal budget cuts experienced by other organizations dedicated to international development and peacebuilding.
Aside from his long service with the Peace Corps as both a Volunteer and a staffer, Dan previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of NPCA. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he was asked to join the staff to lead the Global Reentry program to assist evacuated Peace Corps Volunteers with their sudden return to the U.S., before taking on leadership of the organization as president and CEO.
As the father of two young children, Dan sacrificed much in taking this position. He remains committed to NPCA and has announced his 2026 departure well in advance to allow for a smooth transition. He will continue to be an active leader and will participate in planning for the next year. During this time period, the board will continue to work together with Dan to help ensure the future success of NPCA. The Board of Directors would like to note our deep appreciation to Dan for his service and wish him well in future endeavors.
With this news, we are reaching out to our large and diverse RPCV community to find our next visionary leader. Dan has set NPCA up for success, and we are excited to continue building on the foundation he has laid. We have a dedicated and active Board of Directors, as well as a talented staff, to support the new leader. Due to the nature of the work, the new CEO must be an RPCV and based in Washington, D.C. If you are a candidate, please read the job description here and send in your resume right away.
Job Description and Application Process
—John Lee Evans, NPCA Board Chair
Letter from NPCA President Dan Baker
Dear Peace Corps Community Member,
It is with mixed emotions that I share the news that I have decided to step down from my role by December 31. With my complete support, in the coming weeks John Lee Evans and the rest of the NPCA Board will begin the process to identify the next NPCA President and CEO. The next leader will have a crucial job growing the organization to meet the urgent needs of the Peace Corps and the communities we support at home and abroad. She or he will do so upon a solid foundation, a passionate membership base, and with a phenomenal staff.
When I assumed the temporary leadership mantle in 2022 and initially agreed to just a few months as interim president, I did not expect or even hope to be entrusted with the permanent position before agreeing to a three-year term. I’ve always viewed this as an interim role, and believe the time is right for NPCA to find a new leader with the skills and experience to take the organization to new heights. In close coordination with the NPCA Board, I announced my plans to step down from the NPCA leadership role at the end of the year during the June 29 Board meeting.
Together, we completely modernized NPCA’s infrastructure, balanced the budget, laid out a new strategic framework, and continued to champion Peace Corps and the success of its returned volunteers. In particular, in the last few months we have reenergized this community, forged and strengthened alliances, and successfully responded to the enormous challenges currently facing Peace Corps. The pinnacle of this success occurred in the last two weeks, with our Shriver Leadership Summit, Peace Corps Connect, and Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill.
Over the years, I have had the privilege to work alongside extraordinarily dedicated and talented individuals who share a passion for the Peace Corps mission. Together, we have faced challenges, celebrated milestones, and charted a path forward for the future of NPCA. Each is a part of something special that was created 65 years ago, and have played a vital role in this mission that we keep alive, so I am very grateful for the many emails, phone calls and words of encouragement – and even for those that have been more on the “constructive” side.
As I transition out of my role, I carry a hopeful vision for the future of the NPCA and the Peace Corps. While I am stepping back from leadership, I remain committed to our mission and look forward to supporting our community as an active member and contributor. I believe deeply in the work that lies ahead and in the potential of this organization to continue making a meaningful impact. I am excited about what the future holds for NPCA, excited for the opportunity to explore new directions and spend more time with family, and look forward to witnessing all the great things our community will accomplish.
One final note: NPCA absolutely has more work to do than we can afford to support. I know the fundraising emails get old, but if just half our community were to find a way to donate $50 per year, we would be able to double our impact. Please help set our next leader up for success by becoming a sustaining mission partner.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you! I will be working hard over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition, and look forward to continuing to work with you before I leave this role and beyond.
With heartfelt gratitude,
