Search for Common Ground Executive and Leadership Team

Shamil Idriss, the Chief Executive Officer at Search for Common Ground, directs the global strategic vision for the worlds largest dedicated peacebuilding organization. The Chief Executive Officer manages high-level partnerships with international stakeholders to replace adversarial approaches with collaborative dialogue. By overseeing the implementation of media initiatives and community-based mediation, Idriss ensures the organization maintains a practical, locally rooted impact across conflict-affected regions. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to align organizational goals with evolving geopolitical realities. Shamil Idriss drives the expansion of peacebuilding methodologies, ensuring that programs effectively address disputes in diverse cultural contexts. Through rigorous oversight of global operations, the Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary to sustain long-term resilience projects. Ultimately, Idriss maintains the integrity of the mission while scaling the reach of peacebuilding efforts to new territories.

Deborah Kennedy-Iraheta, the Chief Operating Officer, FHI 360 at Search for Common Ground, oversees the logistical frameworks required to sustain large-scale peacebuilding operations. The Chief Operating Officer, FHI 360 manages the complex infrastructure necessary for delivering media initiatives and community programs in volatile regions. By directing resource allocation and operational safety protocols, Kennedy-Iraheta ensures that field teams maintain consistent progress in conflict-affected areas. Deborah Kennedy-Iraheta collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate operational efficiency into the broader peacebuilding strategy. This leadership role involves mitigating risks associated with international development work while maintaining high standards of accountability. Kennedy-Iraheta drives the implementation of scalable systems that allow the organization to adapt to changing regional dynamics. Through meticulous oversight of operational capacity, the Chief Operating Officer, FHI 360 supports the delivery of effective, locally rooted solutions. Ultimately, Kennedy-Iraheta secures the operational foundation required for long-term societal transformation.

Mark Eckhardt, the Member of the President's Leadership Council at Search for Common Ground, provides strategic guidance on organizational growth and external engagement. The Member of the President's Leadership Council advises on the development of innovative peacebuilding models that replace zero-sum approaches with collaborative dialogue. By leveraging professional networks, Eckhardt expands the reach of the organization into new markets and donor communities. Mark Eckhardt works closely with the President to refine the long-term vision for community-based mediation and cultural programming. This leadership role involves evaluating the effectiveness of current initiatives and suggesting improvements to enhance societal impact. Eckhardt contributes to the governance of the organization, ensuring that all programs align with the core mission of building resilience. Through active participation in council meetings, the Member of the President's Leadership Council helps shape the future direction of the organization. Ultimately, Eckhardt strengthens the institutional capacity to address complex disputes globally.

Asiya Mohammed, the President's Leadership Council at Search for Common Ground, contributes to the strategic oversight of peacebuilding initiatives across diverse geographic regions. The President's Leadership Council evaluates the efficacy of media-based conflict resolution tools and community organizing efforts. By providing expert perspective on regional dynamics, Mohammed assists in tailoring programs to meet the specific needs of conflict-affected populations. Asiya Mohammed engages with other council members to ensure that the organization remains at the forefront of practical, locally rooted peacebuilding. This leadership role involves identifying opportunities for collaboration with local actors to foster sustainable dialogue. Mohammed supports the development of initiatives that replace adversarial interactions with collaborative problem-solving. Through consistent analysis of program outcomes, the President's Leadership Council ensures that the organization achieves measurable progress in building resilience. Ultimately, Mohammed drives the strategic alignment of resources to maximize the impact of peacebuilding efforts in challenging environments.

Rafiq Masri, the President's Leadership Council at Search for Common Ground, focuses on the advancement of collaborative problem-solving methodologies within the organization. The President's Leadership Council provides critical input on the integration of cultural programming and media initiatives into existing peacebuilding frameworks. By analyzing regional trends, Masri helps the organization adapt its strategies to address emerging disputes effectively. Rafiq Masri collaborates with the leadership team to ensure that community-based mediation efforts remain relevant and impactful. This leadership role involves championing the mission of the organization to external stakeholders and potential partners. Masri contributes to the strategic planning process, ensuring that all activities support the goal of building long-term resilience to violence. Through active involvement in council discussions, the President's Leadership Council helps maintain the focus on practical, locally rooted solutions. Ultimately, Masri supports the expansion of the organizational footprint in regions requiring urgent conflict transformation.

Susan Gibson, the Member President's Leadership Council at Search for Common Ground, advises on the implementation of peacebuilding strategies that foster community resilience. The Member President's Leadership Council evaluates the success of radio dramas and other media initiatives in promoting dialogue among conflicting groups. By providing strategic oversight, Gibson ensures that the organization effectively addresses the root causes of disputes. Susan Gibson works with the leadership team to refine the approach to mediation and facilitation in diverse cultural settings. This leadership role involves assessing the impact of programs on local actors and identifying areas for improvement. Gibson contributes to the development of long-term goals that align with the mission of replacing adversarial approaches with collaborative problem-solving. Through participation in council activities, the Member President's Leadership Council helps guide the organization toward sustainable peace. Ultimately, Gibson strengthens the ability of the organization to navigate complex conflict landscapes.

David Creekmore, the President's Leadership Council Member at Search for Common Ground, provides strategic direction for the expansion of peacebuilding programs in conflict-affected regions. The President's Leadership Council Member oversees the alignment of community organizing efforts with the broader organizational mission of transforming dispute resolution. By leveraging expertise in international development, Creekmore assists in scaling the impact of media initiatives and cultural programming. David Creekmore collaborates with the leadership team to ensure that all projects promote collaborative problem-solving and dialogue. This leadership role involves monitoring the effectiveness of interventions and providing guidance on resource allocation. Creekmore contributes to the strategic vision of the organization, ensuring that efforts remain locally rooted and sustainable. Through active engagement in council meetings, the President's Leadership Council Member helps shape the future of peacebuilding practices. Ultimately, Creekmore supports the organization in building long-term resilience against violence across global communities.

Rebecca Besant, the Chief of Staff at Search for Common Ground, coordinates internal operations and facilitates communication between executive leadership and departmental teams. The Chief of Staff optimizes organizational workflows to ensure that peacebuilding projects receive the necessary administrative support for success. By managing cross-functional initiatives, Besant aligns daily activities with the broader mission of transforming how societies address disputes. Rebecca Besant monitors the execution of strategic priorities, providing the Chief Executive Officer with critical insights for decision-making. This role involves streamlining internal processes to enhance efficiency across the global network. Besant maintains focus on operational excellence, ensuring that community organizing and media initiatives remain consistent with organizational standards. Through careful management of internal resources, the Chief of Staff supports the expansion of collaborative problem-solving efforts. Ultimately, Besant ensures that the organizational structure remains agile enough to respond to complex conflict environments.