Maura O'Brien-Ali Email & Phone Number

Founded and run American Growth Solutions, LLC a consultancy focused on increasing small business access to apprenticeship opportunities by providing curriculum development, program maintenance and funding identification services.

In this role, support the Executive Director of FINCA International in the development and execution of strategy and goals. I serve as the project manager for strategic initiatives, including Foundation strategy; new, innovative program development such as shepherding growth at BrightLife, our social distribution enterprise in Uganda and other program implementation, and Foundation planning initiatives. I provide critical support in areas of high priority to the Foundation, most visibly on the development of FINCA International board materials.

Washington Dc

Serve as a board member of FINCA, Plus LLC-the entity that oversees FINCA International's social enterprise named BrightLife and act as the Corporate Secretary of this board.

Kampala, Uganda

Served in oversight role during a transition in leadership of BrightLife, a social distribution enterprise. I maintained sales, ensured operations continued smoothly by solving day to day problems and provided oversight and guidance to local staff. When a permanent replacement was found, I led the training and onboarding process and continue to serve as a strategic resource.

Alexandria, Va

• Plan and coordinate outdoor activities including full and half day hiking trips, orienteering treks, and rock climbing clinics. • Develop unique corporate team building exercises and professional health development events in outdoor settings.• Train amateur participants in outdoor sports including orienteering, rock climbing, and camping and outdoor first aid basics.

• Engaged in new business development, winning $4.6 million in new funding for investment promotion in Iraq and entrepreneurship in Bahrain.• Managed $7.8 million portfolio of programs in Iraq and Bahrain, including eight-person team based in Washington and Baghdad, leading to increased reach, reputation, and visibility in country and with donors. In addition, my management reduced inefficiencies, enhanced reporting quality, improved morale and increased productivity of my team.• Managed Middle East and North Africa communications program, including updating and innovating CIPE’s Arabic website, and implementing a strategic shift to meet customer demand for more timely, regular and country specific content. During my tenure, website traffic, number of downloads, time spent on pages, and listserv sign ups all increased and the website amassed over 800,000 hits and averaged 1,200 downloads per day.• Managed, provided quality control and contributed to the writing of a cornerstone research report on Iraq’s Private sector trends- which included over 900 interviews in 9 Iraqi cities. Results from this survey, Iraqi Business Attitudes on the Economy, Government, and Business Organizations, were presented publically, used to strengthen future funding requests and cited by thought leaders at the time of its publication.

Master, Business Administration

Ba/Bs, International Relations And Business Administration