ATLANTA — Matthew De Galan, whose global communications background spans leadership positions at CARE, Mercy Corps, the Nike Foundation, and the U.N. Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, has been named vice president of communications at The Carter Center.
In a national search that reached over 300 prospective candidates, De Galan was selected for his expertise in international nonprofit and corporate branding, storytelling, thought leadership, policy advocacy, and creative development.
“Matthew has led impressive, celebrated communications work with significant international nonprofits and the Nike Foundation,” said Paige Alexander, CEO of The Carter Center. “His experience and talents uniquely qualify him to build our communications capacities and clarify and elevate the Center’s voice, relevance, and presence. His passion for the Center’s work and understanding of our potential stood out.”
De Galan’s recent work for the U.N. on ending violence against children and global sex trafficking has garnered international attention. At Nike Foundation, his efforts put girls on the agenda of policymakers, and at Mercy Corps he helped reposition the organization as the first responder in global emergencies.
De Galan, who will join the Center in mid-February, will lead the communications team as the Center transitions from being a founder-led organization to one energized by the founders’ principles. Reporting to the CEO and working with colleagues across the organization, De Galan will develop strategies, ideas, and initiatives to refresh the brand and elevate the visibility and impact of the Center’s work, vision, and voice.
De Galan is known as a multitalented visionary who spots trends and positions his organizations to adapt and communicate in ways that stand out and differentiate. In addition to his leadership in communications, he has experience in grant-making, fundraising, and public-private partnerships, and he has lived, worked, and traveled extensively in sub-Saharan Africa. He also has authored several books. At each place he has worked, he has been a valued team leader and colleague.
“Matthew is a leader who fosters engagement, innovation, big ideas, and collaboration,” Alexander said. “He has proven strength in both strategy and implementation. He will help the Center develop a forward-looking communications strategy and world-class team consistent with our mission, capacities, and aspirations. I look forward to Matthew playing an essential and catalytic role as a member of the leadership team, helping the Center lean into a modern, vibrant, and sustainable future.”
De Galan earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and French from University of Kansas and a degree from the Université de Bordeaux in French politics & literature. He is a graduate of the Harvard Humanitarian Leadership Program. He began his career as a reporter at the Kansas City Star.
The Carter Center partnered with BoardWalk Consulting, a national firm based in Atlanta, on the vice president of communications search.
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Contact: In Atlanta, Soyia Ellison, soyia.ellison@cartercenter.org
The Carter Center
Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.
A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
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