Search for Common Ground Executive and Leadership Team

Shamil Idriss, the Chief Executive Officer at Search for Common Ground, directs the organization's global strategy and operations. Idriss guides the implementation of peacebuilding initiatives across conflict-affected regions, ensuring adherence to the organization's mission of transforming how societies address disputes. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with local actors to promote collaborative problem-solving and dialogue, replacing adversarial methods with sustainable peacebuilding practices. Overseeing a diverse portfolio of programs, Shamil Idriss ensures the effective deployment of tools ranging from mediation and facilitation to media initiatives like TV series and radio dramas. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on building long-term community resilience to violence and solidifying Search for Common Ground's position as a leading innovator in practical, locally rooted peacebuilding efforts worldwide.

Mark Eckhardt, a Member of the President's Leadership Council at Search for Common Ground, contributes strategic guidance to the organization's global peacebuilding efforts. Eckhardt's involvement supports the transformation of how societies address disputes, focusing on replacing adversarial methods with collaborative problem-solving. This council membership involves advising on the implementation of diverse peacebuilding tools, including mediation, facilitation, and media initiatives, across conflict-affected regions. Mark Eckhardt's expertise aids in strengthening community understanding of differences and fostering action on shared interests. The President's Leadership Council Member role is crucial in reinforcing Search for Common Ground's commitment to building long-term resilience to violence and promoting locally rooted peacebuilding.

David Creekmore, a President's Leadership Council Member at Search for Common Ground, provides critical advisory capacity to the organization's leadership. Creekmore's contributions enhance the strategic direction of peacebuilding initiatives aimed at transforming conflict dynamics globally. This role involves offering insights into effective methods for replacing adversarial approaches with collaborative problem-solving and dialogue. David Creekmore supports the organization's work in conflict-affected regions by advising on the application of a wide range of peacebuilding tools, from mediation to cultural programming. The President's Leadership Council Member's input is essential for strengthening community resilience and ensuring the long-term impact of Search for Common Ground's locally rooted peacebuilding efforts.

Susan Gibson, a Member President's Leadership Council at Search for Common Ground, offers strategic counsel to advance the organization's mission of peacebuilding. Gibson's participation supports the core objective of transforming how societies address disputes by promoting collaborative problem-solving and dialogue. This council position involves contributing to the oversight of programs that replace adversarial methods with sustainable peacebuilding practices in conflict-affected areas. Susan Gibson's insights are valuable in guiding the effective use of mediation, facilitation, and media initiatives. As a Member President's Leadership Council, Gibson helps ensure Search for Common Ground continues its innovative work in building community resilience and fostering long-term peace.

Rafiq Masri, a President's Leadership Council member at Search for Common Ground, contributes strategic oversight to the organization's global peacebuilding operations. Masri's role supports the fundamental aim of transforming conflict dynamics by fostering collaborative problem-solving and dialogue in affected regions. This council membership involves advising on the implementation of diverse peacebuilding tools, including mediation, facilitation, and media initiatives, to replace adversarial approaches. Rafiq Masri's expertise aids in strengthening community understanding and promoting action on shared interests. The President's Leadership Council member's input is vital for reinforcing Search for Common Ground's commitment to building long-term resilience to violence and promoting locally rooted peacebuilding.

Asiya Mohammed, a President's Leadership Council member at Search for Common Ground, provides strategic direction for the organization's peacebuilding initiatives worldwide. Mohammed's involvement is critical to transforming how societies address disputes, emphasizing the replacement of adversarial methods with collaborative problem-solving and dialogue. This council position involves guiding the application of a broad spectrum of peacebuilding tools, from mediation and facilitation to cultural programming, in conflict-affected regions. Asiya Mohammed's insights help ensure programs effectively build community resilience and foster long-term peace. The President's Leadership Council member's contributions are instrumental in maintaining Search for Common Ground's leadership in practical, locally rooted peacebuilding.

Rebecca Besant, the Chief of Staff at Search for Common Ground, provides direct support to the Chief Executive Officer, managing critical organizational initiatives and ensuring operational efficiency. Besant coordinates cross-departmental efforts, facilitating communication and alignment across global teams working in conflict-affected regions. This role involves streamlining internal processes and supporting the strategic execution of peacebuilding programs, from mediation and facilitation to cultural programming. Rebecca Besant plays a vital part in translating the organization's mission into actionable plans, ensuring that Search for Common Ground's work effectively replaces adversarial approaches with collaborative problem-solving. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities extend to managing key stakeholder relationships and supporting the development of long-term strategies for community resilience and violence prevention.