The Trust for the Americas re-elects its Executive Committee for 2020-2022

During the first semi-annual Board of Directors meeting held on May 11, 2020, the members reelected the Executive Committee of The Trust for the Americas.

Mr. L. Enrique García was re-elected Chair of the Board, Ms. June DeHart  Vice-Chair, and Ms. Susan Benson  Secretary. With a unanimous confirmation, the Executive Committee will lead the organization for two more years, until 2022.

After the election, Mr. García declared: “It is a great honor to be re-elected as President of the Board of Directors of The Trust for the Americas, an organization committed to the social and economic development of the region that seeks to improve the quality of life of the most vulnerable populations in our countries. These are challenging times that demand our complete commitment to help the underserved communities with innovative ideas, and assist the OAS member countries in their pursuit of stronger democracies.”

Before joining The Trust for the Americas, Mr. L. Enrique García concluded his fifth term (25 years) as Executive President and CEO of CAF - Development Bank of Latin America. He also served as Governor at the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and FONPLATA. He was a member and Chairman of CAF’s Board of Directors and a member of the Development Committee of the World Bank and the IMF representing   Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. Mr. García was also Minister of Planning and Coordination of Bolivia.

Ms. June DeHart has been a part of the Board for more than ten years. She is a partner at Manatt, Phelps and Phillips, LLP and has been in the company since 1987.  Ms. DeHart’s expertise includes legislative and regulatory matters, and a vast experience in state government. Her broad range of clients includes U.S. and international businesses, state and local governments, foreign governments, trade associations, and non-profit organizations Ms. DeHart often advises CEOs and Boards of Directors on federal policy issues and her clients include U.S. and international businesses, state and local governments, other public entities, foreign governments, trade associations, and nonprofits.

Susan Benson founded The Trust for the Americas in 1997 based on her experience designing and managing OAS multinational projects in the fields of information systems, library and community development, and marketing of craft. With a start-up grant from the U.S. Mission to the OAS in 1998, she built a team to create the first programs of technology for marginalized populations and for transparency, which evolved into today’s programs.  

During the meeting, the Board welcomed its newest member, Ms. Kim Meredith, Executive Director of Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society/Stanford Social Innovation Review. 

Luis Almagro, Secretary-General of the Organization of American States, who serves as an ex-official member of the Board, offered a keynote speech to address the current political environment of Latin America.  

At the end of the meeting, the Board held a virtual-signing ceremony with the First Lady of Paraguay, Mrs. Silvana Abdo, that was the first commitment towards launching a program that will benefit women entrepreneurs in Paraguay.  

About The Trust for the Americas: 

The Trust for the Americas is a non-profit organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). Established in 1997 to promote public and private partnerships, The Trust has implemented projects in 24 countries and worked with over 1,000 organizations in the region. Our initiatives seek to promote educational and economic opportunities as well as government accountability and transparency.

Our unique alliance with the OAS allows us to have access to decision-makers within the region. This foundational partnership is the basis through which we create strong networks across member states and the private sector. Through the evolution of our region, The Trust continues to endure by facing challenges through strategic partnerships that promote cooperation for sustainable results.

The Trust of the Americas is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

More information: www.trustfortheamericas.org Facebook: The Trust for the Americas Twitter: @Trust4Americas