Michael Bowers Email & Phone Number

San Francisco Bay Area

Member of the Executive Leadership Team, as Chief Program Implementation Officer, Michael is responsible for overall leadership and management of Room to Read’s Program Operations, which oversees implementation of all programs and projects around the world. He oversees the strategy, planning and implementation of Room to Read’s operations worldwide as well as expansion into new geographies.

San Francisco, California, United States

As Vice President of Operations provided executive leadership and management of the Program Operations department, which oversaw implementation of all programs and projects, approximately $34 million dollar in annual expenses and revenue. This position managed the strategy, planning and implementation of Room to Read’s operations worldwide as well as expansion into new geographies, including launch of programs in the Middle East and U.S.. This portfolio included nine countries with full operations and an increasing number of countries with short and medium-term projects. Under Room to Read’s new five-year strategy (Vision 2025), the organization plans to expand project-based operations into 10 new countries and further diversify our funding base with more awards from bilateral and multilateral donors. Successfully managed two Regional Directors (based in Asia and Africa), 2 Global Program Operations Directors (based in San Francisco), and the India Country Director (Room to Read’s largest country portfolio). Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, I participated in extended management team forums and had regular interactions with Room to Read’s Country Management teams and the Board of Directors.

San Francisco Bay Area

As for VP Humanitarian Voice, Mr. Bowers is responsible for convening, motivating and leading a cross-functional team (primarily in the Bay Area) to elevate the reputation, impact and influence of Mercy Corps while celebrating agency achievements in innovation. As representative for Mercy Corps in the Bay Area, Mr. Bowers is responsible for rising the agency's profile as a unique, smart and adaptive West Coast organization whose team are the brightest, most adaptable and comprehensive thinkers. Mr. Bowers led the establishment of new partnerships with technology and digital firms of which are now driving longer-term impact in global programming and increased revenue available for mission purpose. He has drove new donor and thought leader relationships in the region using skills and stories learned from the field to motivate teams to ensure major corporations, institutions understand that Mercy Corps does to take on the world’s toughest challenges.

Houston, Texas Area

Responsible for leading and supporting Mercy Corps’ global emergency operations, enhancing their quality and accountability and ensuring that they bring the greatest benefit to people in need.Mr. Bowers participates in the United Nations Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Emergency Directors’ Group, a unique inter-agency forum for operational coordination, mobilization of surge support to emergencies, policy development and guidance to the decision-making bodies involving key U.N. organizations and global humanitarian partners.

Portland, Oregon Area

The Senior Director is a full-time position and leader of the SRGE team. This is a strategic role within Mercy Corps that seeks to enhance our competitiveness, enhanced quality and accountability, supports the acquisition of additional program resources, and ensures that our newest strategic programs are built on a firm platform that matches with and advances the agency’s strategic plan. The SD, SRGE will be responsible for directly managing a team of professionals to ensure that, in emergencies and strategic countries, Mercy Corps is implementing high quality impactful programming with the necessary management structures to sustain those programs. The team primarily focuses on three key interventions including 1) leading and supporting emergency operations globally; 2) directly supporting (including possibly managing) management-challenged countries and 3) directing and managing the start-up of strategic programs. In addition, the SD, SRGE will be responsible for leading all special initiatives to strengthen the organization’s systems in emergency response.

Portland, Oregon Area

Provide senior management oversight to Mercy Corps program operations in seven country units from Eurasia to East Asia. Directly supervise senior country management teams, assist with strategy development and program quality improvement. Manage liaison with senior staff in Washington, D.C. and Portland, OR. Develop relationships with key donor agencies such as U.S. Government, European Union and private philanthropy. Maintain regional budgets and coordinate staff development initiatives for emerging field leadership. Manage social venture fund and develop private sector relationships

Afghanistan

Provided supervisory and managerial responsibility over all-in country personnel for large, multi-sectoral programs primarily in rural areas of Afghanistan that focused on enhancing livelihood (both agricultural and non-agricultural) opportunities for Afghans.Provided vision, leadership and program integration and ensured that programs are planned and executed with quality, accountability and measurable impact. Responsibilities included overall security management compliance to ensure safety of Mercy Corps team members. Provided effective human resource practices consistent with policies and emphasis on national staff development.

Zagreb, Croatia

Successfully completed $19 million umbrella grant program providing economic and community revitalization activities. As the chief representative of the prime grantee, served as the point person for USAID and fourteen partner (sub-grant) agencies on national and overall program issues. Coordinated among sectors and consolidates program including issuance of new strategies and initiatives. Monitored overall program performance and tracks progress toward reaching targets while monitoring the country situation and ensuring program flexibility. Represented program to USAID, NGO community, government, donors and other external entities. Oversaw reporting requirements to USAID. Lead the sub-grant, coalition building, and sustainability components.

Kyrgyzstan

Provided interim executive management for MC/Kyrgyzstan, the largest international PVO presence in the Kyrgyz Republic, comprising of staff of more than 70 national employees and 4 expatriates. Supervised complex microfinance operations including a solidarity group lending program for women, implemented through local partners, and multi-million dollar small-and medium- size enterprise lending program, implemented in cooperation with Central Asian American Enterprise Fund. Provided guidance in launching a new USDA-funded monetization/school feeding program and in restructuring an existing agricultural production lending program. Extensive communication with U.S

Albania

Successfully managed USAID-funded $7.3 million umbrella grant portfolio to support social sector rehabilitation activities in Albania. Responsibilities included developing and issuing Request for Applications (RFAs), managing the selection process, providing technical assistance and coordinating program and grant compliance oversight for sub-awards made to both international and local NGOs. Supervisory responsibility for all in-country personnel, programs and policies. Provided vision and leadership in program development and project administration and monitored overall program performance by tracking progress against identified targets/indicators.

Kosovo

As a member of the senior management team in Kosovo, responsible for managing, implementing and planning MC programs in Kosovo. Fulfilled project implementation requirements, projected funding needs, and designed and proposed projects to meet emerging program needs. Served as primary coordination and liaison person for all donors, humanitarian partners, UNMIK, bi-lateral, multi-lateral and local agencies. Supervised a team of nine expatriates and 100 local staff to effectively implement a multi-sector, integrated program portfolio of health, agriculture, credit and food activities valued at $5.5 million.

Burlington, Vermont Area

Technical and project management support and to USAID-funded Governance and Local Democracy (GOLD) Project in the Philippines. Assisted in the development and preparation of proposals to USAID, World Bank, and other donor organizations for projects supporting institutional development, natural resources and the environment.

Liberia

Provided technical and administrative oversight to USAID-funded democracy and governance program in Liberia, West Africa. Primary responsibilities included administration of sub-grant component to local NGOs; financial management of project funds; liaison with donors, UN agencies, and other international development and relief organizations; provided security and political updates to headquarters and partners; and provided training and staff development to team of talented local staff.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Provided overall program support to $3 million USAID-funded development program in Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova aimed at strengthening NGOs. Assisted on-going program and fiscal supervision including budget revisions and compliance checks. Designed and reviewed training and technical assistance programs in the areas of NGO management, grants management, project design, advocacy, business and micro-enterprise development. Developed and authored proposals targeting private, government and international donors. Assisted with development of seed grant distribution criteria and guidelines. Liaised with U.S. Private Voluntary Organizations, foundations, corporations and government entities, such as USAID.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Formulated and researched policy recommendation for legislative review. Responded to constituency inquires and requests for federal information.

Coordinated working groups and forums for democratic reforms in Russia. Assisted with fundraising operations for council and promotion of published papers. Supervised staff of 15 volunteers for 37th Atlantic Treaty Association Conference.

Ma - Master, International And Intercultural Management Training

Ba, History/Political Science