Practice Areas/International Aid & Assistance

Practice Area

International Aid and Assistance

Development work succeeds on judgment built in the field. The professionals here designed, funded, and ran assistance programs for the United States around the world.

The difference between a program that delivers and one that disappoints is usually the experience of the people running it. Browse the professionals below and reach out directly.

Members in this practice area

International Aid & Assistance

Showing 1–20 of 53
Ranked by relevance to International Aid & Assistance from verified member profiles.
Kirby Wedekind
Kirby Wedekind
12 years of military service
Risk | Intelligence | Security | Resilience

AI SummaryKirby Wedekind served in the US Marine Corps and DHS CISA, specializing in national security and infrastructure protection. Currently, he leads a risk advisory firm, leveraging his expertise in security and resilience.

Current
CEOHannibal Strategy and Security LLC
Former Government
Major / Combat Engineer Officer / Civil Affairs OfficerU.S. Marine Corps
National SecurityInternational Development
Practice Areas
Tabletop ExercisesInternational RelationsNational Security+1
Sectors
Financial ServicesCommunicationsFood & Agriculture+1
JacksonvilleView Profile →
Darcy Ostrander-Damon
Darcy Ostrander-Damon
Verified14 years of government experience
Operation Compliance Ethics & Risk Leader | $3B+ Portfolio

AI SummaryDarcy Ostrander-Damon served 22 years in federal agencies, specializing in compliance, risk management, and ethics. Their roles involved policy design, regulatory enforcement, and internal investigations, equipping them for senior leadership in compliance and operations.

Current
FounderHeadwaters-The Passage LLC
Consulting
Former Government
Director, Foreign Assistance and Grants Management | Federal Title: Unit Lead/Senior Grant Officer, GS-14U.S. Department of State(DOS)
Practice Areas
Eastern EuropeInternational RelationsRestructuring+1
Sectors
Education & Training ServicesConsulting ServicesManagement of Companies & Enterprises+1
Henry Heilbroner
Henry Heilbroner
3 years of government experience
Global Government Affairs Professional & Economist

AI SummaryHenry Heilbroner served at USAID and the U.S. Department of State. His experience in economic development, policy analysis, and international relations suits him for roles in economic policy analysis, research, and project management.

Former Government
Regional China InternU.S. Department of State(DOS)
Research
Practice Areas
International RelationsEconomicsLatin America+1
Sectors
Food & AgricultureAgriculture & Natural Resources
BT
Bryan T. Byrne
8 years of foreign government experience
GLOBAL STRATEGY, INNOVATION & PARTNERSHIPS EXECUTIVE

AI SummaryServed at USAID, managing trade, partnerships, and development programs. Specializes in international trade, partnerships, and development strategy.

Former Government
Director, Development Partnerships and InnovationUSAID
Management
Practice Areas
Alternative EnergyForeign RelationsAgriculture+1
Sectors
Financial ServicesProduct DevelopmentFood & Agriculture+1
Andrea Stone
Andrea Stone
Verified18 years of government experience
Collaborating and innovating for natural resource management

AI SummaryAndrea Stone served 25 years in environmental protection and sustainable development, including roles at USAID and Accomack County, specializing in project management, policy, and environmental science.

Former Government
Foreign Service Officer, USAID Washington D.C.U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Management
Practice Areas
Climate ChangeConsultant/ExpertCrisis Management+1
Sectors
EnvironmentGovernment Services
Falls Church, VirginiaView Profile →
Erica Herrmann
Erica Herrmann
12 years of government experience
Committed to Public Service, Advocacy & Global Engagement

AI SummaryErica Herrmann served at the U.S. Department of Labor, focusing on child advocacy and international relations. Her roles involved policy formulation, research, and international diplomacy, equipping her for work in global policy and advocacy.

Former Government
Senior International Relations OfficerU.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
Child AdvocacyInternational Development
Practice Areas
Civil RightsVietnamAsia+1
Sectors
Museums, Historical Sites, & Similar InstitutionsEducationGovernment Services+1
MassachusettsView Profile →
Kemala Santi Duewel
Kemala Santi Duewel
16 years of government experience
Strategic Program Management Leader | Contracts & Grants

AI SummaryOver 20 years in strategic program and contract management, specializing in international assistance and crisis operations. Expertise in procurement, policy development, and program optimization.

Current
Senior Program & Procurement AdvisorU.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Former Government
White House InternThe White House
Practice Areas
Crisis ManagementGrant ReviewInternational Aid & Assistance +1
Sectors
Government ServicesAdministrative & Support ServicesProfessional & Business Services
Jason Taylor Wright
Jason Taylor Wright
14 years of government experience
Senior Global Health and Development Leader (USAID and HHS)

AI SummaryJason Taylor Wright served 25 years in global health and development with HHS and USAID, specializing in donor coordination and multilateral engagement.

Current
Developed Country NGO Board Delegation MemberGlobal Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria
Former Government
Special Assistant to Director and HIV/AIDS Advisor (GS-9-13)U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Practice Areas
Project Development & FinanceFoundationsNonprofit Organizations+1
Sectors
Health Science & Medical TechnologyHealthcare & Public HealthHealth Information Services+1
Washington, District of ColumbiaView Profile →
Javier O. Castano
Javier O. Castano
2 years of military service
U.S. Diplomat, Retired (USAID) / U.S. Navy Reserve Officer

AI SummaryRetired USAID Foreign Service Officer with over a decade of experience managing multi-billion dollar global contracts and grants, skilled in procurement, foreign affairs, and strategic management.

Current
O-1U.S. Navy
Practice Areas
Government ContractsMilitary Nonprofit Organizations+1
Sectors
Business & FinanceProfessional & Business ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
West Palm BeachView Profile →
BE
Brooke Estes
5 years of government experience
Education & workforce strategy, grants, and systems

AI SummaryBrooke Estes served as a Foreign Service Officer at USAID for over a decade, specializing in education and workforce strategy. Their experience in data-driven strategic planning, program design, and stakeholder engagement suits them for roles in education systems and international development.

Former Government
Foreign Service Officer, EducationU.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Practice Areas
Project Development & FinanceEmploymentNonprofit Organizations+1
Sectors
Educational ServicesPublishing IndustriesEducation+1
Elizabeth Ceryak
Elizabeth Ceryak
9 years of government experience
Project Manager with a wide range of international know-how.

AI SummaryElizabeth Ceryak served over a decade at USAID, managing grants, contracts, and international development programs in Africa and the Middle East.

Current
Board MemberPull for Progress
Board Member
Former Government
Grants and Contracts Management SpecialistU.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Contracts / ContractingInternational Development
Practice Areas
International Aid & Assistance InternationalProject Development & Finance+1
Sectors
Food & AgricultureBusiness & FinanceHealth Services+1
AE
Amy E. Prevatt
7 years of government experience
Driving Global Impact through Data and Learning

AI SummaryAmy E. Prevatt served at USAID and UN WFP, managing over $2.5B in programs. Her expertise in data analysis, program management, and strategic planning suits her for roles in global operations and consulting.

Former Government
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (GS-13)U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Data AnalystProgram and Project Management
Practice Areas
Project Development & FinanceDevelopmentLatin America+1
Sectors
Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, & Similar OrganizationsPublic ServicesConsulting Services+1
Katherine Maxwell
Katherine Maxwell
3 years of government experience
Executing ideas into impact: policy, projects, partnerships

AI SummaryKatherine served in the U.S. Government for 7 years, including roles at USAID, the White House, and the State Department. Her experience includes budget analysis, foreign policy, and humanitarian assistance, making her well-suited for roles in international development and policy research.

Former Government
Presidential Management Fellow (rotation from USAID)The White House
Federal GovernmentForeign Relations / Diplomacy
Practice Areas
White House EngagementInternationalDiplomacy+1
Sectors
Government Services
District of ColumbiaView Profile →
Kristen P. Patterson
Kristen P. Patterson
4 years of foreign government experience
Senior climate, health, & equity Consultant | Death Doula

AI SummaryKristen P. Patterson served as the inaugural senior climate and health advisor for USAID until January 2025, specializing in climate, health, and environmental policy advocacy; she is also the founder of Sacred Journey Death Doula, providing end-of-life support and planning.

Current
Senior Technical AdvisorIndependent Consultant
Former Government
Senior climate and health advisorU.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Practice Areas
Grant WritingNonprofit OrganizationsClimate Change+1
Sectors
EnvironmentHealthcare & Public Health
Mitzi Hanold
Mitzi Hanold
3 years of government experience
Driving Clarity, Structure & Cross Functional Performance

AI SummaryTwo decades in international development, specializing in strategy, operations, and human-centered design. Led cross-functional teams, designed operating models, and built governance structures.

Former Government
Senior Program Officer, Social and Behavior ChangeMillennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)
Projects, Programs and Advisors
Practice Areas
Nonprofit OrganizationsNGOsInternational Aid & Assistance +1
Sectors
Healthcare & Public HealthEducationPublic Services+1
Olga A. Kalashnikova
Olga A. Kalashnikova
Verified
Senior Program Manager / Business Development Director

AI SummaryOver 15 years in USAID and State Department, managing $100M+ counterterrorism programs; expertise in international development, program management, and strategic policy guidance.

Current
Business Development DirectorGeorgetown Protective Services
Security and Law EnforcementBusiness Development Manager
Practice Areas
National SecurityGovernment ContractsGrants Administration+1
Washington, District of ColumbiaView Profile →
Siobhan Girling
Siobhan Girling
Data savvy program manager and water engineer

AI SummarySiobhan Girling served at USAID from 2009-2019, managing international development projects. Her roles in program management, environmental engineering, and WASH sector expertise suit her for overseeing large-scale development initiatives.

Practice Areas
Water ManagementInternational Aid & Assistance Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)
Sectors
EnvironmentDiagnostics & ResearchConsulting Services+1
Asheville, North CarolinaView Profile →
Zaid Abuhouran
Zaid Abuhouran
11 years of government experience
Former U.S. Diplomat in Global Education Reform

AI SummaryServed 13 years with USAID and U.S. Department of Education, specializing in international development, education, and cross-sector partnerships.

Former Government
Foreign Service Officer - Education and Workforce Development LeadU.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
International DevelopmentProgram and Project Management
Practice Areas
Workforce DevelopmentK-12 EducationInternational Aid & Assistance +1
Bloomingdale, New JerseyView Profile →
Kenneth B. Syring
Kenneth B. Syring
11 years of government experience

AI SummaryKen Syring served as Deputy Chief of Staff at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, specializing in policy, strategy, and crisis management. His roles in Peace Corps, law enforcement, and international development highlight his expertise in civic engagement and public service.

Former Government
Education Project Manager and Secondary School Teacher (Peace Corps Volunteer)Peace Corps
Project CoordinatorTechnical Trainer
Practice Areas
Civil RightsLaw Enforcement CoordinationInvestigations+1
Sectors
CommunicationsEducationTrade, Transportation, & Utilities+1
San Francisco, CaliforniaView Profile →
Adam Despang
Adam Despang
4 years of military service
Climate security, sustainable development, disaster response

AI SummaryServed in the U.S. Army and International Development Finance Corporation; specializes in climate security, disaster response, and climate risk analysis.

Former Government
Management and Program Analyst, Climate International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
Database AdministratorProgram Analyst
Practice Areas
Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)Project Development & FinancePublic Policy / Think Tanks+1
Sectors
EnvironmentEnergy
Gainesville , FloridaView Profile →

When people seek this expertise

Situations that bring organizations here

Organizations of all sorts often need guidance from people who have managed foreign assistance programs from the inside, whether they’re pursuing federal awards, navigating compliance and audit requirements, or adapting to changes in how aid is funded and delivered.

Winning donor-funded work

Designing programs and proposals that meet a funder's real priorities comes naturally to people who set those priorities and scored those proposals inside government.

Federal assistance compliance

Grants and cooperative agreements carry strict rules on procurement, subawards, and cost allowability, and former agreement officers have enforced every one of them.

Monitoring and evaluation

Funders expect evidence that programs work, and former M&E professionals build the frameworks and evaluations that stand up to scrutiny.

Operating in difficult environments

Delivering aid in fragile or conflict-affected settings takes security judgment and local knowledge that only field experience provides.

Partnership strategy

NGOs, contractors, and foundations engage former officials to navigate relationships with funding agencies, host governments, and multilateral institutions.

A shifting funding landscape

As assistance priorities and structures change, people who have lived through past transitions help organizations adapt rather than react.

Engaging an international aid professional

Why reach out to a former government professional for development work?

They have sat on the funder's side of the table: what wins awards, what fails audits, and what actually works in the field. That perspective is hard to build any other way.

How do I choose the right background for my situation?

Match the need: proposals and program design point to former program officers; compliance points to former agreement officers and auditors; country strategy points to former mission and country directors.

How does contacting someone work?

Open a profile and reach out directly. FormerGov connects you with the professional; there's no intermediary or fee to make contact.

Do members work independently or through firms?

Both. Some work through consultancies or implementing organizations, others independently; each profile describes how that professional engages.

Agencies and roles behind the directory

Where this expertise comes from

International Aid professionals hail from across the federal government. Several agencies utilize their skillsets to oversee missions of international importance, financial programs, diplomatic relationships, volunteer operations, and more.

USAID (United States Agency for International Development)

Former mission directors, program officers, and agreement officers map to program design, compliance, and field operations.

State Department

Former foreign assistance and refugee program officials map to policy alignment, host-government relations, and humanitarian response.

MCC (Millennium Challenge Corporation)

Former compact and threshold program professionals map to results-based program design and country partnership.

Peace Corps

Former country directors and staff map to community-level programming and volunteer operations.

Development finance and multilateral institutions

Former officials who worked with development banks and international organizations map to blended finance and multilateral engagement.

Oversight bodies

Former inspectors general and auditors of assistance programs map to compliance reviews and fraud prevention.

For former officials

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