A Tribute to President Jimmy Carter Through the Eyes of Former Peace Corps Director Richard Celeste
By Benjamin DeMarais
Throughout American history, few leaders have embodied the spirit of peace and service as fully as President Jimmy Carter. His tireless dedication to humanitarian causes, both during and after his presidency, stands as a testament to a life devoted to the betterment of others. In a recent interview with the National Peace Corps Association, former Peace Corps Director Richard Celeste, who was appointed by President Carter, reflected on his legacy, offering a personal perspective on the former president’s enduring impact.
Through Celeste’s reflections, he paints a vivid portrait of a man whose values aligned seamlessly with those of the Peace Corps, an organization Carter held dear throughout his life.
“Jimmy Carter’s life has always been about service,” Celeste said, recalling his time working with the president. “He didn’t just talk about peace; he lived it every day, in every decision he made.”
Born October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, James “Jimmy” Earl Carter Jr. grew up in an environment that shaped his core values of hard work, community, and service. Son of Earl and Lillian Carter (RPCV India 1966–68), Jimmy grew up working on the family peanut farm. By the age of 13, he had saved enough of his earnings to purchase and rent out five nearby homes to local families. In 1946, Carter graduated from the United States Naval Academy and served as a naval officer until he returned to Georgia to manage the family farm after his father’s death.
“He never left his roots,” Celeste said. “Of all of our presidents, I don’t know any would stay as close to his hometown as he did.”
Carter’s deep connection to his community and experience in agriculture instilled in him a sincere understanding of the many challenges and opportunities within rural America.
Driven by personal ambition and a drive to serve, Carter pursued a career in politics, committed to improving the lives of all Americans. Elected as the 39th President of the United States in 1976, Carter’s four-year tenure was defined by his dedication to human rights, peace, and diplomacy. Inspired by his upbringing, Carter made several significant contributions to agriculture and rural development throughout his political career, such as the 1977 Farm Bill, which aimed to stabilize farm incomes and included provisions for better crop insurance, disaster payments, and commodity loans. Additionally, Carter created various rural development programs aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education in rural areas throughout the country. These programs included investments in rural health clinics, water and sewage systems, and rural housing projects.
Throughout the course of his term, Carter and his administration navigated several significant challenges, including the energy crisis, economic inflation, and the Iran hostage crisis. Despite these hurdles, Carter achieved substantial successes in foreign policy, notably through the Camp David Accords, which fostered peace between Egypt and Israel, later earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Celeste vividly recalled Carter’s deep engagement with the Peace Corps during his presidency. “He understood that the Peace Corps was not just a program but a movement—one that could bridge divides and build understanding across the world,” Celeste reflected. Under Carter’s leadership, the Peace Corps received renewed support, and its mission to promote world peace and friendship was strengthened. “He recognized the transformative power of service,” Celeste continued.
Carter continued to champion global peace and service throughout his active work with Peace Corps. In 1977, President Carter made a historic appointment that reflected his commitment to diversity and inclusion. He selected Carolyn R. Payton to serve as the eighth Peace Corps director, making her the first female and first African American to hold the position. Payton’s appointment was a monumental step forward in breaking barriers and setting a new standard for leadership within the organization. Payton’s work as director promoted a broader vision of what Peace Corps could achieve through diverse perspectives and inclusive initiatives. Under her leadership, Peace Corps focused on strengthening its support systems for Volunteers and expanding its reach to several new countries.
Carter’s commitment to peace and diplomacy was evident in his foreign policy initiatives, but for Celeste, it was Carter’s work beyond the White House that truly defined his character. His wife, Rosalynn, and other members of his family, including his mother, Lillian Carter, played significant roles in the organization’s history.
Lillian served as a Peace Corps volunteer in India at the age of 68, setting a powerful example of lifelong service. “The Carter family was deeply intertwined with the Peace Corps,” Celeste noted. “They were living proof that service has no age limit, that anyone can make a difference at any stage of life.”
Twenty years after her Peace Corps service, the Atlanta Regional Office of the Peace Corps established the Lillian Carter Award to honor her legacy and recognize the extraordinary contributions of senior Peace Corps Volunteers. The Lillian Carter Award continues to inspire a new generation of volunteers, and demonstrate that service and compassion continue to remain pillars of Peace Corps and American virtues. Jimmy continued to support and participate in events surrounding the award, honoring his mother’s legacy and recognizing the contributions of older Peace Corps volunteers who exemplify the spirit of service.
The Carter’s family legacy of public service continues to be carried on today by Jimmy’s grandson, Jason Carter (RPCV South Africa 1998–2000). As a Peace Corps Volunteer, Jason served in South Africa, where he worked on education and community development projects, fostering cross-cultural understanding and supporting local initiatives. Jason’s dedication to public service continued upon his return, leading to his election to the Georgia State Senate, where he focused on issues such as education and economic development, embodying the values and principles championed by his grandfather.
Celeste also shared memories of Carter’s unwavering commitment to human rights and global development, principles that were central to both his presidency and his post-presidential work. “Carter’s vision was always broader than just politics,” Celeste said. “He saw the world through a humanitarian lens. Whether it was combating poverty, eradicating diseases, or promoting democracy, his approach was always grounded in the belief that we are all part of a global community.”
As Celeste reflected on Carter’s legacy, he emphasized the former president’s unique ability to lead by example. “Carter showed us that leadership isn’t about power; it’s about service,” Celeste observed. “He was a peacemaker in the truest sense, always striving to heal divisions and foster understanding.” This philosophy was evident in Carter’s work with The Carter Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing peace and health across the globe. Through this organization, he dedicated his time and efforts to conflict resolution, disease prevention, and the promotion of human rights around the world. “Even in his later years, Carter never stopped thinking about how he could contribute,” Celeste said. “He was always looking for ways to make the world a better place, no matter how small the effort might seem.”
“I think history is going to recognize him as a much more effective president than he was given credit for during his service,” Celeste said. “His devotion to creating a more peaceful world was beyond what anybody was able to see. Just remarkably true to his beliefs.”
As we honor President Carter’s legacy, it is clear that his life’s work transcends politics. Through the eyes of Richard Celeste, we see a man whose impact on the Peace Corps—and the world—will be remembered for generations to come. “Carter’s legacy is one of hope, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the greater good,” Celeste said. “He has shown us all that true peace comes not from the absence of conflict but from the presence of justice.”
Jimmy Carter’s life stands as testament that the work of peace is never done and that each of us has a role to play in building a more just and peaceful world. His example, as portrayed through the reflections of Richard Celeste, inspires us to carry forward the torch of service, with humility, compassion, and a commitment to the betterment of all humanity.
Richard Celeste
Richard Celeste, a distinguished leader and public servant, served as the Peace Corps Director from 1979 to 1981, appointed by President Jimmy Carter. His tenure marked a period of growth and transformation for the organization, underscoring his dedication to promoting world peace through volunteerism and public service.
Celeste’s extensive background boasts several impactful contributions prior to his Peace Corps’ directorship. He held various positions in public service, including staff liaison in the Peace Corps, and special assistant to Chester Bowles during his time in India. Celeste would later go on to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to India and the 64th Governor of Ohio. His vast experience in diplomacy and governance brought a unique perspective to the Peace Corps, enabling him to navigate the challenges of international volunteerism.
During his time as Peace Corps director, Celeste played a vital role in expanding the Peace Corps’ organizational reach and impact. Working alongside President Carter, Celeste was able to negotiate autonomy for the Peace Corps, allowing for increased opportunity and independence over its own decision making. Celeste also spent much of his time working to restore morale within the organization, visiting around 25 Peace Corps countries and staying alongside Volunteers. Back home, he championed initiatives within congress that not only increased the number of volunteers but also the diversification of their roles, ensuring that Peace Corps addressed a broader array of global challenges. Celeste’s leadership was characterized by a commitment to furthering Peace Corps initiatives and fostering a safe and impactful experience for all Volunteers.
“The most rewarding aspect of my time with the Peace Corps was witnessing the profound mutual impact between the volunteers and the communities they served. It was a testament to the power of human connection and shared purpose,” Celeste said.
Celeste’s legacy and impact extends far beyond his directorship. His continued advocacy for the Peace Corps’ mission has inspired countless individuals to engage in service and global citizenship. As the National Peace Corps Association celebrates over 60 years of operation, Richard Celeste’s contributions remain a vital part of its history, exemplifying the spirit of service and international cooperation.
Thumbnail Caption: Former President Jimmy Carter pictured with 2017 Lillian Carter Award winner, Kaldi Davis (RPCV Senegal 1993–96).
Banner Caption: Jimmy Carter pictured with his mother, Lillian Carter, who served as a Health Volunteer with the Peace Corps in India.