Former Congressman Sam Farr, known affectionately by his colleagues as “Mr. Peace Corps” during his time on Capitol Hill, was a stalwart champion for the Peace Corps during his 24 years representing California’s Central Coast in the U.S. House. "Peace Corps represents the best of America" he would say, while urging his peers to increase Peace Corps' funding so more volunteers could serve.

"Peace Corps service is a life changer, for the individual, their family and the host country; it should never be forgotten. The Commemorative Park will be a lasting reminder."

Legislation that bears his name, the Sam Farr and Nick Castle Peace Corps Reform Act of 2018, aimed to improve access to medical care for volunteers, strengthen accountability and oversight, and enhance procedures to reduce the risk of crime in the countries where Peace Corps Volunteers serve. Farr was a community development Peace Corps Volunteer in Medellin, Colombia (1964-66).

Janet Greig is a lifelong advocate for international understanding and engagement and has been an indefatigable leader in the Peace Corps community. She served eight years (2009-17) on the board of directors of National Peace Corps Association (NPCA), including several years as treasurer. Her leadership was instrumental in reimagining NPCA’s business model and social mission while restoring its financial health following the Peace Corps' 50th anniversary celebrations. More recently, Janet has served as co-chair with Pat Wand and Ken Lehman of the Campaign for Peace Corps Ideals.

“The parcel of land adjacent to the National Mall that awaits the Commemorative is the perfect place to welcome folks to focus on Peace Corps and American values associated with cooperation and respect, as opposed to wars and war heroes.”

Janet and her husband, Wylie, are currently trustees of the Erik E. and Edith H. Bergstrom Foundation. They met, fell in love, and were married while serving as Peace Corps Volunteers in Andhra Pradesh, South India (1966-68).

See the full list of PCCF Board of Directors

Our “big tent” approach is bolstered by the creation of an honorific Advisory Board that will provide leadership for connecting, informing, and engaging Peace Corps community members in bringing the Peace Corps Commemorative to life.

Former Peace Corps Director Josephine “Jody” Olsen, PhD, chairs the nascent Advisory Board, which will include former Peace Corps directors, former RPCV members of Congress, former RPCV governors, former RPCV ambassadors, and other distinguished Peace Corps community leaders.

Olsen began her career as a Peace Corps Volunteer, serving in Tunisia from 1966-1968. She later served the agency in multiple leadership positions—as Acting Director in 2009; Deputy Director from 2002-2009; Chief of Staff from 1989-1992; Regional Director, North Africa, Near East, Asia, Pacific from 1981-1984; and Country Director in Togo from 1979-1981. As the agency’s 20th director, in March 2020 Dr. Olsen oversaw the safe and efficient evacuation of over 7,000 Peace Corps Volunteers worldwide due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Stay tuned as we invite and welcome new members to the advisory board.