Stephen Carpenter

About Stephen Carpenter

Stephen is a senior international development practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in governance, public financial management, anti-corruption, and institutional reform initiatives in more than 30 countries. His expertise spans both headquarters-based strategic planning and implementation in the field. Stephen has a strong track record in business development and capture, securing major donor-funded contracts and shaping strategic growth initiatives.Most recently as Vice President for Governance at DAI Global, LLC, a federal contractor operating in the international affairs space, Stephen led a team of 20 professionals responsible for both business development and hands-on technical advisory services. Stephen has led public sector reform initiatives including serving as the resident team leader in the Republic of Kosovo to upgrade the country\'s public procurement system. He helped the country transition from a paper-based procurement system rife with inefficiencies and vulnerabilities to an electronic system. Despite initial resistance, the government fully adopted the e-procurement platform, which is now used for all public procurement and has been recognized by the EU for its advances in transparency and efficiency.Similarly, in Jordan, Stephen was brought in as the resident team leader to oversee a sweeping IT modernization of Jordan Customs operations. He guided the upgrade of the country’s automated clearance system, the development of a customer service center, the construction of a new data center, and the implementation of an automated gate control system. These efforts reduced processing times for cargo at ports and border crossings by as much as 85% and contributed to a remarkable 20% improvement in Jordan’s trade freedom score on the Index of Economic Freedom over two years.Earlier in his career, Stephen spent eight years at Deloitte, leading consulting engagements focused on IT modernization, business process improvements, and public financial management. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Georgetown and Columbia Universities, mentoring future professionals in strategy, business development, and implementation.

Experience

1. Contractor, Kpmg International Development Assistance Services (Idas) Institute

   KPMG US

   Jul 2025 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Supporting global strategy and business development for KPMG\'s International Development Assistance Services (IDAS) Institute, with a focus on multilateral development banks (MDBs), donor-funded projects, and international governance initiatives.

Education

• Harvard University

  Master of Theological Studies, Practical and Ethical Theology

  1997 — 1999

• Bowdoin College

  BA, Asian Studies, Religion

  1992 — 1996

• Georgetown University

  Master of Science in Foreign Service

  1999 — 2001

Skills

• International Trade
• Technical Assistance
• Strategic Planning
• Proposal Writing
• Program Management
• International Relations
• Emerging Markets
• Business Development
• Policy
• International Project Management
• Public Sector
• Customs Regulations
• Institutional Strengthening
• Economics
• Business Strategy
• Change Management
• Leadership
• Management Consulting
• Governance
• Management
• Process Improvement
• Economic Development
• Project Management
• Policy Analysis
• Program Evaluation
• Sustainable Development
• International Development
• Strategy
• Financial Management
• Research
• Africa
• Government
• Project Planning
• Ngos
• Capacity Building
• Public Policy
• Consulting
• Customs
• Training
• Organizational Development