Our Team
An experienced management team implements the directives of the Board of Trustees and carries out the charitable functions of the Foundation. From left to right: Greg Siegrist, Treasurer and Vice President of Finance and Administration; Zen Hunter-Ishikawa, Vice President of Operations and Assistant Secretary; Linda Brunett, Administrative Manager; Robert Buchanan, President; Karim El-Hibri, Senior Program Associate; Janis Gelb, Accounting Manager; and Marcia Thayer Nass, General Counsel, Vice President of Strategic Planning and Secretary.
Robert Buchanan
Robert Buchanan, as President of the Foundation, provides strategic leadership by working with the Board of Trustees and the management team to establish long-range goals, strategies, vision, and policies. He brings to the Foundation over twenty years of experience from the non-profit sector with expertise in international programs and development, and six years of experience working with Congress. Mr. Buchanan holds a B.A. in International Relations from The Johns Hopkins University and his M.A. in International Relations from The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
Marcia Thayer Nass
Marcia Thayer Nass, as General Counsel and Vice President of Strategic Planning to the Foundation, provides legal advice, oversees grantmaking, develops policies and procedures for the Foundation and advises on strategic planning. She brings over twenty years of experience to the Foundation. Ms. Thayer Nass holds a B.A. in History from Lewis and Clark College, a J.D. from Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College and an L.L.M. in International Law from Georgetown University Law Center.
Zen Hunter-Ishikawa
Zen Hunter-Ishikawa, as Vice President of Operations, manages the grantmaking program, prepares financial reports, organizes events, directs purchasing, and oversees the building operations and office services. He handles much of the day-to-day management of the Foundation operations. Mr. Hunter-Ishikawa holds a B.A. in International Affairs from the American University School of International Service and his M.A. in International Peace & Conflict Resolution from the American University School of International Service.
Greg Siegrist
Greg Siegrist, as Treasurer and the Vice President of Finance and Administration, handles the financial and administrative matters for the Foundation, including preparing financial reports, financial analyses, income and expense reports and the budget for the Foundation. In addition, he oversees the investment assets of the Foundation. He brings over twenty years of accounting and administrative experience to the Foundation. Mr. Siegrist is a CPA, and holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Longwood University and an MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Karim El-Hibri
Karim El-Hibri, as Senior Program Associate, evaluates grant proposals and assists in carrying out the Foundation’s grant making program, in developing collaborative relationships and in building management, including capital expenditure projects and renovations. He brings commitment and passion for the Foundation’s mission. Mr. El-Hibri holds a B.A. in International Relations from American University School of International Service.
Janis Gelb
Janis Gelb, as Accounting Manager, handles the day-to-day bookkeeping responsibilities for the Foundation. Ms. Gelb has over 35 years of experience in financial management after attending Queensboro Community College.
Linda Brunett
Linda Brunett, as Administrative Manager, coordinates and handles administrative support for the Foundation. Ms. Brunett holds an Associate Degree in Radio/TV/Film from Montgomery College.