WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Inter-American Foundation (IAF) today announced that President and Chief Executive Officer Robert N. Kaplan has decided to step down, effective May 2017, after more than six years of successful leadership, to pursue personal interests outside of the organization.
“We are grateful to Bob for his leadership and unwavering commitment to citizen-led development efforts across the Hemisphere,” said IAF Board Chairman Eddy Arriola on Kaplan’s decision. “His expertise, passion, and vision for the region have not only taken IAF to a new level but inspired those that have had the pleasure to work with him. We are particularly appreciative of Bob’s willingness to ensure a smooth transition to his successor so that IAF’s important work can continue uninterrupted.”
Kaplan’s tenure at the IAF has been marked by an emphasis on empowering local citizens’ organizations across the region and helping them connect and collaborate with each other. By bringing the power of these relationships to the center of the IAF’s efforts, the foundation has stayed true to its long-standing commitment to helping local people take charge of their communities’ development in partnership with a wide array of public and private organizations.
Kaplan said: “The mission of the IAF to support thriving communities across Latin America and the Caribbean has been both a professional pursuit and personal passion for me. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to work alongside such a talented and dedicated group of colleagues and partners across the region. I especially want to thank the Board of Directors for their commitment to the IAF and their steadfast support during my tenure.”
Kaplan joined the Inter-American Foundation on November 1, 2010, as President and Chief Executive Officer. Before joining the IAF, he served for many years at the Inter-American Development Bank in a number of leadership positions.
About IAF
The IAF, an independent U.S. government agency, was created in 1969 to channel development assistance directly to the organized poor in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IAF has carried out its mandate by providing financial and other support for the best self-help initiatives developed by local grassroots groups and non-governmental organizations. It also encourages partnerships among community organizations, business and local government directed at improving the quality of life for poor people and strengthening democratic practices. The IAF is governed by a board of directors appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. A president, appointed by the board, serves as the IAF’s chief executive officer, managing a small group of professional staff in Washington, D.C. The IAF is currently active in 20 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean.
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www.iaf.gov
