Lynn Foden
Thrive Networks
CEO
Lynn has extensive involvement developing strategic partnerships, negotiating agreements with governments and partners and overseeing operational implementations of grass-roots development programs. In her previous role as Chief of Operations for the Africa Region of Peace Corps, Lynn was responsible for the strategic vision and daily operations for 27 African countries.
Most recently with Room to Read, as the Chief of International Operations, she oversaw 10 country programs in Asia and Africa that dramatically improved primary school literacy levels, created life-long readers, and supported girls to complete secondary school with critical life skills. Lynn’s team was responsible for the delivery of high quality programs, on time and on budget.
Lynn’s international development experience includes positions with Room to Read, The Peace Corps, the African Wildlife Foundation, Moving Water Industries, International Rescue Committee, and the World Bank. Lynn holds a BA in Geology from Barnard College, a BS in Mining Engineering from Columbia University, a master’s degree in Law and Diplomacy with a focus on Economic Policy from The Fletcher School, Tufts University and a master’s degree in Business Administration, with a focus on Technology Management, from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
As CEO, Lynn will work with our in-country teams to drive the strategic vision for Thrive Networks across its programs in water and sanitation, health and education, while ensuring high quality implementation of programs, with our current focus on Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Further, Lynn will continue Thrive’s efforts to share the results from our signature innovative financing and private sector engagement approaches with the international development community, while collaborating with funders to develop new programs that promise excellent outcomes and sustainability.