Experience

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  Central Asia Institute

  • Bozeman, MT

  • Executive Director

    • May 2019 - Present
    • Bozeman, MT

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  Refugees International

  • Washington D.C. Metro Area

  • Senior Policy Advisor & Program Manager

    • Apr 2010 - Apr 2019
    • Washington D.C. Metro Area

    Refugees International (RI) is an independent, non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of refugees and displaced persons, and promotes solutions to displacement crises. Oversaw implementation of innovative program to address gaps in international law and policy for persons displaced by disasters and climate change. Conducted over a dozen missions to countries experiencing conflict and disasters to meet with affected populations, identify their needs, and advocate for increased assistance and support for their rights.Successfully advocated to national governments, government donors (BPRM and USAID), and UN agencies to better address displaced persons’ needs including for protection, shelter, and education. Extensive public speaking experience including to middle and high school students, universities and graduate schools, religious institutions, and at fundraising events, as well as at high-level policy fora such as the Brookings International Institute for Scholars, the Stimpson Center, and the World Bank.

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  Earthjustice

  • Staff Attorney International Program

    • Oct 2006 - Jun 2010

    Earthjustice, formerly known as Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund, is a non-profit public interest law firm. With nine offices across the United States, Earthjustice provides legal representation at no cost to hundreds of organizations, coalitions, and communities. Staff attorney in international program. Focus on partnering with local civil society organizations in developing countries to devise strategies and seek redress for communities affected by environmental pollution and degradation.

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  American Bar Association/Asia Law Initiative

  • Deputy Director

    • Oct 2003 - Sep 2006

    Provided strategic leadership to ABA-Asia’s programs (totaling nearly $3.5 million in funding in 2006) aimed at promoting good governance and the rule of law. Supervised more than a dozen professional and support staff across five offices in China, Cambodia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam; directed development and implementation of work plans and budgets; ensured timeliness/quality of reports and deliverables. Drafted winning funding proposals to USAID and the U.S. State Department.Monitored and oversaw subgrantees’ activities and ensured accountability.

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  University of Maryland Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • Deputy Chief of Party

    • Aug 2002 - Sep 2003
    • Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Sarajevo, Bosnia (Sept. 2001 - August 2003)Provided key assistance in the design, management and implementation of USAID-funded project to reform administrative law and streamline administrative processes to promote economic development, foreign direct investment, and government accountability. Designed and managed USAID-funded project to enhance compliance with and implementation of Bosnia’s new freedom of information law by government officials, the media, and the public.

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  American Bar Association - Central Europe and Eurasia Law Initiative

  • Tashkent, Uzbekistan

  • Environmental Law Liaison

    • 2000 - 2001
    • Tashkent, Uzbekistan

    Launched ABA’s environment program in Uzbekistan. Established and managed two environmental public advocacy centers staffed by local professionals to promote civil society input into environmental problems. Monitored and oversaw grantees’ activities.

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  Arnold & Porter

  • New York, NY

  • Senior Associate, Litigation

    • Jan 1998 - Jul 2000
    • New York, NY

    Advised U.S. and foreign clients on federal and state laws re environmental impact review, air and water quality, coastal protection, and hazardous waste management and remediation.

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  Dewey Ballantine LLP

  • New York, NY

  • Associate, Environmental Practice Group

    • Oct 1993 - Jan 1998
    • New York, NY