DA NANG—April 8, 2008 > Mark Conroy, Country Director of the East Meets West Foundation since 1994, has announced that he will be transitioning from his current position in the summer of 2009, when he will begin concentrating his efforts on managing EMW’s large construction projects throughout Vietnam, and a selected number of grassroots programs in central Vietnam. He will also continue to oversee the EMW Project Office in Da Nang.

"Mark’s contributions to East Meets  West over the fourteen years of his tenure are so substantial and extensive  as to be almost impossible to summarize," said John Anner, executive  director of East Meets West. “We are deeply appreciative of his long  service to the organization. He has overseen exponential growth in the  foundation’s staff, offices, budget, and programs. He leaves a strong team  to continue and expand the foundation’s work and his guidance will be  invaluable over the coming transition period.”

Mark Conroy came to East  Meets West with a background of exceptional diversity – including construction, dairy farming, automobile restoration, a stint as a pilot,  and finally, two years as a Peace Corps volunteer. His responsibilities as  country director have been similarly wide-ranging, and include fiscal  management and planning; liaising with government and nongovernment  agencies; needs assessments; personnel supervision; strategic planning; and both grassroots and larger-scale project supervision.

Mark  characterizes his decision as in his own and EMW’s best  long-term interests, allowing him to move on to other opportunities and  opening the door to fresh perspectives and new energy within the organization. During the coming year, he will work closely with the new  country director, once hired, to manage the transition process. “Making the  decision to transition at this time will give me  plenty of time to slowly phase out from my current position in an organized and smooth  manner.”

It will also give his colleagues, and the partners EMW works with in Vietnam, the much needed time to adjust to his transition and express their thanks for his years of hard work as EMW’s country director.

For more information, contact the Communications Department at info@eastmeetswest.org.