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Today Fair Trade USA, the leading third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in North America, announced that Pierre Ferrari, Chief Executive Officer of Heifer International, has been elected to the nonprofit organization’s Board of Directors.
Consistent with best practice in nonprofit governance, Fair Trade USA recruits its Board Members from a range of diverse constituencies, including producers, philanthropists, business leaders, entrepreneurs and activists. Mr. Ferrari will join the ranks of eleven other individuals who sit on the organization’s Board.
Mr. Ferrari brings over 40 years of experience in the business sector, the latter half of which he spent leading socially-oriented organizations. “I wanted to use my skills to help individuals in poverty achieve self-sufficiency and health,” explained the Belgian Congo-born Ferrari. “Serving on Fair Trade USA’s board will allow me to extend that mission, specifically within the agricultural sector.”
Under his direction at Heifer International, an ambitious goal was set: by 2020 the organization will have helped 4 million families in the places where they work – who currently experience extreme hunger and poverty – secure an annual livable wage to build resilient, self-reliant lives.
Ferrari, who is no stranger to ambitious goal setting, began his career as a marketer and entrepreneur with Coca-Cola USA. He then became a special assistant to the president of CARE, a non-profit that provides financial assistance and disaster relief to the world’s poor. There he spearheaded the first comprehensive strategic plan based on performance measures. He also oversaw a feasibility mission for a hospital in Zaire, a co-op banking project for women in Niger, and various micro-loan programs. In 2010, he became the President and Chief Executive Officer of Heifer International.
In addition to Fair Trade USA, Ferrari sits on the Boards of several other organizations that work to alleviate global poverty, including: The Small Enterprise Assistance Fund, an investment management group that offers business and financial support to enterprises in emerging markets; InterAction, an alliance of 180 NGOs united in their commitment to care for the world’s poor; Global Impact, a partnership-based organization that provides advice and administrative assistance to the world’s most vulnerable people; and Ben and Jerry’s, an ardent supporter of social and environmental justice.
“The specialized knowledge of our Board Members is essential for furthering our mission,” said Paul Rice, President & CEO of Fair Trade USA. “Pierre’s experience building and guiding programs that promote financial self-sufficiency will be critical in helping us empower farmers, workers and artisans across the globe.”
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About Fair Trade USA:
Fair Trade USA is a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable livelihoods for farmers, workers, and fishermen, protects fragile ecosystems, and builds strong, transparent supply chains through independent, third-party certification. Its trusted Fair Trade Certified™ label signifies that rigorous standards have been met in the production, trade and promotion of Fair Trade products from over 70 countries across the globe. Recognized as a leading social venture by the Clinton Global Initiative, the Skoll Foundation and Ashoka, Fair Trade USA also provides capacity-building programs at origin and educates consumers about the power of their purchase. Visit www.FairTradeCertified.org for more information.
ABOUT HEIFER INTERNATIONAL:
Heifer’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. For more than 70 years, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in more than 30 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant. For information, visit www.heifer.org, read our blog, follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @Heifer or call 888.5HUNGER (888.548.6437).
