SFS Governance
Leadership and Governance Structure
Main Leadership Framework
SFS is governed by a Board of Governance based in Minnesota, USA, with an Executive Director, Institute Directors, and a team of technical experts operating in Garowe, Puntland, and the Regional Support Office in Nairobi, Kenya.
For program and project implementation, an additional board is formed, comprising representatives from SFS and development partners. This board reviews program progress, advises on implementation, and provides strategic guidance on partnership expansion and reorientation as necessary.
Board Members
01
Thomas O’Connell – Chair
Thomas holds a Ph.D. from the Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio, and serves as a Professor of Social Science at Metropolitan State University. He specializes in political science and sociology, coordinates the social science internship program, and played a key role in establishing the Urban Teacher Program (UTP).
02
Jennie Kratzer – Treasurer
Jennie is the Operations Manager at Ameriprise Financial, with 11 years of experience in mutual fund accounts and call center operations. She holds a B.S. in Economics and has actively supported the Puntland State University Scholarship Fund through fundraising.
03
Lena Jones – Secretary
Lena is a faculty member at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in Political Science and has been involved in civic engagement initiatives, including the creation of the Center for Civic Engagement at MCTC. She has also worked on partnerships between Puntland State University and institutions in the Twin Cities.
01
Paul Porter
Paul is a researcher and educator specializing in agroecosystems and global food production. He has co-taught courses while cycling through Africa and South America, using these journeys to promote agricultural education and cross-cultural understanding.
02
Ali Warsame
Ali holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Global Studies and Accounting, with extensive experience in finance and NGO program management. He is the Director of East African Economic Development and serves on various boards.
03
Maslah Jama
Maslah is a Financial Analyst at Best Buy with expertise in supplier finance and business relations. He has been a board member of SFS since 2005 and is actively involved in community development.
01
Awo Ahmed
Awo is the Literacy Coordinator at Metropolitan State University, overseeing community-based literacy programs. She has extensive experience in student outreach, training, and program coordination.
02
Jamal Elmi
Jamal serves as Advantage Program Assistant at CommonBand Communities.
03
Jamal Osman
Jamal is a business owner actively contributing to SFS initiatives.
Advisory Board Members
Patrick Plonski
Executive Director, Books For Africa
Travis Burke
Field Program Officer, USAID
Adam Diehl
Development Infrastructure Consultant, World Bank
Rang Hee Kim
Transportation Manager, Counterpart International
Phillip Cooper
Deputy Governance Manager, UNDP Somalia
Mohamud Hamud
Executive Director, Puntland State University
Eric Robinson
Program Officer for East & Horn of Africa, National Endowment for Democracy
Mohamud Said
Program Coordinator, Diakonia
Khalif Farah
Governance Specialist, UNDP Somalia