WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Inter-American Foundation’s (IAF) board of directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Sabatini, a lecturer of international relations and policy at Columbia University, and Matthew Swift, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Concordia to its advisory council.

The advisory council is made up of distinguished U.S., Latin American, and Caribbean leaders in business, public service, academia, philanthropy, and international development. Members are appointed to renewable three year terms.

“Chris and Matt bring a wealth of expertise in global development and a commitment to community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean. I look forward to working closely with them to support the foundation’s vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and just Latin America and Caribbean region,” stated Board Chair Eddy Arriola.

In addition to his role at Columbia University, Sabatini founded the research non-profit, Global Americans and is the editor of its news and opinion website. He has also served as an advisor to the World Bank and the U.S. Agency for International Development and has published widely on development in the Americas.

“I’m proud and honored to join the board as an advisor of a group whose work and dedicated team I’ve always admired,” Sabatini said. “Long before grassroots [development] and microfinance became fashionable, the IAF was on the front lines working directly with poor to reduce poverty, build markets and promote U.S. values and interests.”

Swift, whose vision and leadership has transformed Concordia into a global partnerships forum, brings extensive global affairs, advocacy, partnership, and communications expertise to the council.

“I am excited about the prospect of supporting the foundation as it embraces a new era of global development in responding to the social, economic, and political challenges facing Latin Americaand the Caribbean,” Swift said.

About the 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 is governed by a bipartisan 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. The IAF funds community-led projects in 20 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean.

For more information visit www.iaf.gov or contact Barbara Aliño: [email protected]; (202) 683-7185.

SOURCE Inter-American Foundation