The Board and staff of JLI are pleased to announce the appointment of Kirsten Laursen Muth as Chief Executive Officer of JLI. We know you will join us in a warm welcome when Kirsten takes office on June 15, 2020. Kirsten has worked with many of our members and looks forward to getting to know and work with all of them.
With more than 30 years of international development experience, much of which has been within faith contexts, Kirsten brings a unique set of skills, perspectives, and relationships to lead JLI into the future. Building on what we have already accomplished, under her leadership we hope to hone our strategic direction, grow and develop our organization, strengthen our partnerships, and build new relationships.
Kirsten’s previous positions include: Special Advisor for Leadership Development and Senior Director for International Programs at Episcopal Relief & Development; Deputy Director of Programs at Church World Service; and Deputy Director of Training and Communication Education at Helen Keller International. She has collaborated with multiple UN agencies and has worked with government, non-profit, education, and faith organizations in more than 40 countries. Kirsten holds a Bachelor of Science, Foreign Service from Georgetown University, a Master’s Degree in Social Anthropology and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has also studied textile design at Parson’s School of Design and the School of Visual Arts, and design fabrics. She and her spouse, Mike, live in upstate New York in an antique house with three pets and numerous wild visitors.
Kirsten succeeds Jean Duff, JLI’s founding President, who will continue to serve as Senior Advisor to facilitate a smooth transition for Kirsten and to provide support on specific projects as required.
We are most grateful for the hard work of the CEO Search Committee, chaired by Rick Santos, and for the unanimous endorsement by the JLI Board of its recommendation to appoint Kirsten as CEO.
We are looking forward to beginning this new phase of JLI’s work under Kirsten’s leadership.
Rick Santos and Jean Duff
JLI Board Chair and JLI President