IREX Fortifies Board with Heavyweights from Policy, Africa, and Global Affairs

WASHINGTON, March 26, 2026 – Global nonprofit IREX has significantly bolstered its leadership by appointing three distinguished figures from the worlds of U.S. policy, African development, and international diplomacy to its Board of Governors. The new members—Steve Carey, Chris Chibwana, and Jeff Krilla—bring a formidable blend of experience that signals a strategic enhancement of IREX's capacity to navigate an increasingly complex world.

The appointments were announced as a deliberate move to guide the organization's mission, which focuses on cultivating leaders, expanding education, and creating employment opportunities globally.

"I am thrilled to welcome Steve, Chris, and Jeff to the IREX Board," stated Ambassador David Gross, chair of the IREX Board of Governors. "Each of these three amazingly accomplished people has a unique combination of global high-level experience and a passion for success. Importantly, they also have a deep understanding of how and why IREX's activities and programs... bring extraordinary value and real-world benefits to both the American people and the global community."

A Strategic Infusion of Cross-Sector Expertise

The selection of Carey, Chibwana, and Krilla reflects a growing trend in the nonprofit sector: assembling governing bodies with diverse, cross-sector expertise. Modern global challenges require solutions that bridge the gap between government, private industry, and philanthropy. IREX's latest move is a textbook example of this forward-thinking governance strategy in action.

Aleksander Dardeli, president and CEO of IREX, emphasized the intentionality behind the decision. "Our Board is evolving—and that's intentional," he stated. "I'm very pleased to welcome three new members who bring perspectives we need right now: strong connections to Africa and the communities we serve, real experience working across business, government, and philanthropy, and the judgment to navigate complex policy environments."

This strategic evolution equips IREX with leaders who not only understand the nuances of international development but also possess the practical experience to build coalitions, influence policy, and mobilize resources across different sectors. The new members personify this interdisciplinary strength, promising to enhance the organization's strategic decision-making and overall impact.

Deepening Federal Ties and Policy Acumen

Steve Carey's appointment brings over three decades of high-level experience in Washington, D.C., directly to IREX's boardroom. As the chair and founder of Potomac Strategic Development, Carey is a seasoned expert in navigating the intricate landscape of federal programs, advocacy, and appropriations. His career is rooted in the halls of Congress, where he served as a legislative director for two members of the powerful House Appropriations Committee and as a legislative assistant to the ranking member of the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee.

This deep, granular understanding of the federal legislative and funding process is an invaluable asset for an organization like IREX, which partners with institutions in the United States and around the world. Carey's bipartisan relationships and his proven ability to guide organizations through complex policy environments will be instrumental in advancing IREX's mission. His work at Potomac Strategic Development, providing guidance to both industry and non-profits, demonstrates a career built on translating policy into practical outcomes—a skill set that aligns perfectly with IREX's commitment to delivering measurable, cost-effective results.

Sharpening Focus on Africa and Evidence-Based Impact

Chris Chibwana’s addition to the board brings a profound and timely focus on African development and evidence-based policymaking. As a program officer at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, he manages a grant portfolio dedicated to advancing women's economic empowerment and data-informed governance across Africa. His work is centered on a critical aspect of modern development: ensuring that policies are designed using rigorous data and evidence to achieve tangible, positive outcomes, particularly for women and marginalized communities.

Chibwana’s expertise is built on nearly two decades of development work across the continent. Before his role at the Hewlett Foundation, he led the Hub for Agricultural Policy Action at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and served as a regional director for the research and advisory firm IDinsight. His extensive experience with USAID in Bangladesh and his native Malawi, where he focused on improving farmer welfare and evidence-based agricultural policy, provides him with a ground-level perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the regions IREX serves. His appointment directly addresses Dardeli's call for "strong connections to Africa," embedding a leader with intimate knowledge of the continent's institutional and social dynamics into IREX's highest governing body.

Bridging Diplomacy, Energy, and Philanthropy

Jeff Krilla represents a unique convergence of diplomacy, military service, corporate leadership, and grassroots philanthropy. His multifaceted career provides IREX with a leader who has viewed global policy from nearly every possible angle. As Vice President of Global Public Policy at Kosmos Energy, he leads initiatives to transform natural resources into national prosperity, a role that requires delicate negotiation between corporate interests and public good.

Krilla is also a decorated diplomat and veteran. His tenure as a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State saw him leading high-level U.S. delegations across five continents to forge socially responsible partnerships. This experience, combined with his service as a naval attaché and intelligence officer, gives him a sophisticated understanding of geopolitical dynamics. His commitment to public service extends to his personal philanthropy as co-founder of the Krilla Kaleiwahea Foundation, a Native Hawaiian organization instrumental in disaster recovery efforts following the Maui wildfires. His recent commendations, including the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism and his investiture as a Chevalier by the President of Mauritania, underscore a life dedicated to impactful action.

By adding Krilla to its board, IREX gains a leader who can seamlessly move between discussions in a corporate boardroom, a diplomatic summit, and a community-led recovery effort. This ability to understand and integrate the motivations of business, government, and civil society is precisely the kind of judgment needed to guide a global nonprofit today. As IREX continues to partner with communities worldwide, the collective wisdom of its newly expanded board positions it to not only meet the demands of the present but to anticipate and shape a more just and prosperous future.