New Executive Director Appointed at Lambi Fund of Haiti in Response to Country's Pressing Challenges

March 24, 2011 - PRLog -- WASHINGTON, DC-- In response to pressing needs and challenges of rural partners during this critical period for Haiti, Lambi Fund of Haiti recently announced the appointment of Marie Marthe Saint Cyr as the organization’s newest Executive Director. Ms. Saint Cyr was born in Haiti, speaks fluent Haitian Kreyol, and has a long history of working hand-in-hand with grassroots organizations. She replaces Karen Ashmore, who is focusing her efforts on development, administration and outreach for the organization.

“After 17 years of existence, and in view of the current situation in Haiti, we have chosen a leader with local roots, solid management and operations experience as Lambi Fund expands our efforts to address the increasing demands of the Haitian organizations in the rural areas,” shares Board Chair, Max Blanchet

“We are very happy to have made an internal hire [for the position]. As our past Board Chair, Ms. Saint Cyr, knows the organization from the inside out and has dedicated her time and energy to Lambi Fund for many years.  Ms. Saint Cyr comes to our staff highly qualified and is off to a running start as the Executive Director with the same dedication she has shown as a long-term volunteer," adds Wendy Emrich, Executive Committee member.

Marie Racine, former Lambi Fund chair and member of the board of directors, agrees that Ms. Saint Cyr has a deep understanding of the issues and concerns of our Haitian partners.  She adds, “We see her as a catalyst to assure a continuum of skills transfer, maximizing the use of resources to strengthen local organizations and to stimulate local economies, advocating for the strong voice of Haitians in the construction of their respective communities. I have had the opportunity to work with her on the board of directors and I believe she will bring the determination and passion [needed] to advance our mission.”

Honored to lead the Lambi Fund of Haiti serve the needs of the rural communities in Haiti, Ms. Saint Cyr adds,  “I am looking forward to expanding the organization and building a more unified and dynamic cohort to better serve rural communities in Haiti.”

Ms. Saint Cyr brings a breadth and depth of experience to the position.  She was the founding Executive Director of Iris House, a center for women with HIV/AIDS in Harlem. She has also served as the Deputy Commissioner of Human Rights for the city of New York and headed the New York AIDS Coalition.  Throughout the years, she’s also participated in the governance of many organizations as a member of the board of directors for the National Minority AIDS Council, MADRE, and the Lambi Fund of Haiti.  She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs, a Master’s Degree in Social Work, and Middle and Executive Management certificates from Columbia University’s Non-Profit Management programs.

Founded in 1994, the Lambi Fund of Haiti partners with grassroots organizations in Haiti supporting economic justice, Haiti’s democratic movement, and sustainable development.  The organization has promoted the growth of over 175 local organizations impacting almost two million Haitians by focusing on sustainable agriculture, community micro-credit, animal husbandry, environment and organizational and leadership training. The Lambi Fund also provides financial resources, training, and technical assistance that promote the social and economic empowerment of the Haitian people. For more information, visit www.lambifund.org.

The Lambi Fund of Haiti was founded in 1994 and its mission is to assist the popular democratic movement in Haiti. The Lambi Fund provides financial resources, training and technical assistance that promote the social and economic empowerment of the Haitian people. The Lambi Fund of Haiti website is www.lambifund.org