October 9, 2019 (WASHINGTON) – This statement is delivered on behalf of the Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network (MFAN) by Co-Chairs Lester Munson and Tessie San Martin.
The Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network is pleased to announce that Larry Nowels will be continuing his close involvement with the coalition as Co-Chair of the Executive Committee. Mr. Nowels recently served as the network’s interim Executive Director and was a founding member of MFAN.
Larry spent more than 30 years leading research on U.S. foreign assistance policymaking at the Congressional Research Service, where he served on detail to the House Budget and Foreign Affairs Committees and to the House Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee. He later served as a consultant to the Helping to Enhance the Livelihood of People Around the Globe (HELP) Commission and on the 2008 Foreign Aid Agency Transition Team following the election of President Obama. Larry has recently consulted with organizations such as the ONE Campaign, the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, and The Hewlett Foundation and currently serves on the board of Friends of Publish What You Fund.
“Larry is a long-time champion of aid effectiveness and a great asset to our coalition,” said Tessie San Martin, MFAN Co-Chair and President and CEO of Plan International USA. “I’m looking forward to working with him as Co-Chair.”
“Larry is a powerhouse of knowledge,” said Lester Munson, MFAN Co-Chair and Principal at BGR Group. “As we look toward 2020, Larry’s thoughtful insights will add further nuance and credibility to our policy agenda.”
MFAN is also excited to announce the addition of two new Executive Committee members. The coalition welcomes Lori Groves Rowley, Director of Global Food Security and Aid Effectiveness at the Lugar Center. Lori has nearly 20 years of senior leadership and committee experience on Capitol Hill. MFAN also welcomes Susan Reichle, Chief Executive Officer of the International Youth Foundation, who draws on 25 years of experience leading USAID policy development and programs overseas and in Washington, D.C.
“From Larry’s deep historical knowledge, to Susan’s on-the-ground experience, to Lori’s extensive congressional know-how, each of these professionals will be a valuable resource to the coalition as we continue to advance effective foreign assistance through bold policy initiatives,” said MFAN Executive Director Conor Savoy.
MFAN looks forward to working with these community leaders to advance effective, transparent, and country-driven U.S. foreign assistance.
