On Tuesday, February 3, the Mosbacher Institute for Trade, Economics, and Public Policy, at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, featured Mr. Neal Keny-Guyer, CEO of Mercy Corps, at the Institute’s 2015 Bank of America Program on Volunteerism. Under Mr. Keny-Guyer’s leadership, Mercy Corps has emerged as a leading international humanitarian and development organization. With ongoing operations in more than 40 countries, a staff of 4,000, and global revenue of $375 million, Mercy Corps has developed a reputation for groundbreaking and innovative programming in the world’s toughest environments.
Following welcome remarks by Dr. Lori L. Taylor, Director of the Mosbacher Institute, and an introduction by personal friend Ambassador Ryan Crocker, Dean of the Bush School, Mr. Keny-Guyer addressed a diverse audience of faculty, students, and non-profit representatives, at an evening lecture in the George Bush Library and Museum. He provided his insights on a multitude of challenges Mercy-Corps and other international aid organizations experience in delivering humanitarian aid and relief to troubled regions around the world. The highlights of his remarks included an emphasize on selfless public-service as a critical element in the success of international aid organizations, as well as the importance of innovation in providing sustainable solutions to communities. Mr. Keny-Guyer cautioned aspiring students about the diversity of challenges facing communities around the world, stressing that each country is faced with unique problems and that there are “no fast fixes or shiny solutions to complex challenges.” He went on to emphasize that community-driven, market-based solutions should be part of relief efforts.
The presentation was followed by an on-stage conversation with Bush School Associate Professor William Brown, who sought further insight from Mr. Keny-Guyer about heading up a major non-profit international development organization. In response to those questions, Mr. Keny-Guyer related personal anecdotes and shared memorable incidents from his tenure, highlighting the importance of building personal relationships as a vital element in relief efforts.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Keny-Guyer met with students pursuing concentrations in non-profit management and international development. During these candid and interactive meetings, Mr. Keny-Guyer spoke about the mechanics and operational models of non-government organizations and answered students’ questions. Mr. Keny-Guyer also took time during the day to meet with Dr. Elsa Murano, Director of the Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture.
Students and faculty alike were very pleased to have in their midst the presence of such an influential public servant. The Mosbacher Institute is thankful to Bank of America, the program sponsor, and to Mr. Keny-Guyer for taking the time out of his busy schedule to come to the Bush School and making this event possible. A video of the event will be uploaded on the Mosbacher Institute’s website shortly.
