Laura E. Bailey is a senior development professional who focuses on the challenge of violence, fragility, and conflict globally, with a special interest in facilitating transitions through leadership support.
From 2017 to 2020, she served as the World Bank’s Global Lead for Stability Peace and Security, responsible for thought leadership on issues of fragility, conflict, and violence, where she led a multi-sectoral community across the World Bank Group by supporting operational innovation and cutting edge solutions inside the Bank Group, and connection with external expertise and institutions involved in peacebuilding, recovery, and violence prevention. Earlier, she served as World Bank Country Manager for Armenia (2014-2017) and for Papua New Guinea (2009-2014); in these positions, she provided leadership on the overall policy reform agenda for the country, overseeing the quality and delivery of the World Bank work program, and maintained relationships with the national authorities and with all key stakeholders in the country.
Ms. Bailey has held field posts in large middle-income and transition countries, such as India and Indonesia, as well as in small post-conflict countries, like Timor Leste. Prior to joining the World Bank in 2005, Ms. Bailey worked for 16 years in economic development projects across countries in Asia, Africa, and Central America, and before that was active for three years in organizational development for the private sector in San Francisco, California, USA, during the technology boom of the mid-1980s. Laura is a US citizen, and holds a Master of Public Policy degree from Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government with concentrations in international trade and international development, as well as an Executive Certificate from Georgetown University in Facilitation.