WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Barack Obama nominated Gayle E. Smith as Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). In response to the nomination, Bono, lead singer of U2 and co-founder of ONE and (RED), applauded President Obama’s choice.

Gayle’s quick mind and wit are matched only by her huge heart and her tenacious, get-sh*t-done spirit. I’ve worked with this force of nature for 20 years. At ONE we call her ‘Gayle-force Wind’ … no one pushes us harder to do what’s right. Normally, it’s us annoying government officials and placarding them to do more, but with Gayle, it’s often her challenging us to aim higher or try a new tact when obstacles inevitably arise. She is formidable in the best possible way, someone with a deep sense of compassion and justice who has dedicated her life to improving the lives of those living in the poorest places on the planet.