As we prepare to gather for the London Member Meeting, I write to share the news that I have accepted the privilege of leading the amazing ANDE team as its interim Executive Director. ANDE’s current Executive Director, Richenda Van Leeuwen, will be on extended leave, and Kyle Newell is no longer with ANDE. I wish them all the best.

For any I may not already know, I have been with ANDE as its Director of Strategic Development since 2017, and it has been among my greatest professional joys to grow and strengthen the impact of this network. As a former social entrepreneur myself, I have been in the shoes of those trying to build a more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive world through business, and know firsthand the power of a good ally. The work ANDE members do each day as allies to the dreamers who strive for a better future holds a deep place in my heart.

I am also grateful that my friend and colleague Abigayle Davidson is co-leading this transition with me. Abby joined ANDE in 2016 as a Research Analyst to help launch one of ANDE’s most well-known research programs, the Global Accelerator Learning Initiative, and has risen through multiple roles as Director of Research and Impact. Her deep expertise, the respect she commands across our network, and her leadership that abounds with warmth and optimism make her an invaluable partner.

As it celebrates its 15th anniversary, ANDE remains in a strong position to deliver its global mission. I look forward to seeing many of you at the London Member Meeting on April 8 and even more of you at ANDE’s Global Conference in Bangkok this September, building upon the momentum from last year in Accra. Our regional chapters across Latin America, Africa and Asia remain vibrant and are led by extraordinary leaders who I am lucky to have on my team.

My promise to you all is that ANDE will remain a world class membership organization where this special band of people who believe in entrepreneurs’ power to change the world can find their home, connect with co-conspirators, and get to work. We know our members are the magic ingredient that makes everything we do possible, so thank you for all you’ve already brought to this work and all that is to come.

Sincerely,