GFP Jordan Board

The Board provides governance controls over strategy and budget, approving strategic and annual plans, major expenditure and contractual commitments.

Dr Alia Hatoug-Bouran 

Dr. Alia Hatoug-Bouran serves as a Senator in the Jordanian Senate; President, Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean; and Member of the Advisory Council, IISS (International Institute for Strategic studies). She is an academic turned diplomat. She became Jordan’s first female ambassador prior to assuming her post in the United States in September 2010. Bachelor of Science degree (1979) and Master of Science degree (1980) in applied environment studies from Moscow University. PhD in environmental science and strategic planning was completed in 1983 at the Russian Academy of Science Novosibirsk Branch. Dr. Bouran’s career began in academia, serving as an associate professor of environmental science at the University of Jordan from 1984 to 1998. During this time, she also advised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on environmental matters and served as senior negotiating member on environmental matters during peace talks with Israel (1993−94). From 1998 to 2001, she was secretary-general of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Concurrently, she was head of the Jordanian team on environmental multilateral peace talks (1998−99) and led the environment team on free trade negotiations between Jordan and the United States (1999−2000). Her first ambassadorial assignment − representing the first of its kind for a woman from Jordan − was to Belgium in June 2001. She added Luxembourg and the European Commission to her portfolio six months later and Norway in March 2002. Dr. Bouran left all of these posts in October 2003 to become Jordan’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, a position she held for two years. She was also, briefly, Minister of Environment. In March 2006, she took over as Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and in March 2007 she presented her credentials as non-resident Ambassador to Iceland. Dr. Bouran has since 2016 been a member of the Jordanian Senate

Dr Mohammad Al-Momani 

Dr. Mohammad Al-Momani serves as a Senator in the Jordanian Senate. He served as Minister of State for Media Affairs and the Government Spokesperson from Mar. 2013 until June 2018, during which he was also chairman of Petra News Agency and Jordan National TV. He was Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs in 2013 and the former advisor of two Jordanian Prime Ministers prior to becoming a minister. He was the Dean of Jordan Media Institute 2012-2013. He was the Chairman of the daily independent newspaper Alghad and Chairman of the Board of the Jordan Foundation of Radio and Television. He taught American Government at the University of North Texas (1999-2002) and then joined Rice University faculty, where he taught Political Economy, Comparative Politics, Democracy and Democratization, and Middle East Politics. He was the executive director of the Regional Human Security Center and was the deputy director of Queen Rania Center for Jordanian Studies and Community Services at Yarmouk University. He served previously as an Advisor at the Jordan Institute of Diplomacy and the Director of Training and Education. Al-Momani was a part-time lecturer at the Jordan Institute of Diplomacy and the Council for International Educational Exchange (CIEE). He was the Senior Policy Advisor and Deputy Director (DCOP) of the State University of New York/Center for International Development/Legislative Strengthening Program, and was the Policy Consultant in the Ministry of Political Development. He was an Editorial Board Member for the Jordan Journal of International Affairs/Jordan Institute of Diplomacy. Dr. Momani was an Associate Professor of Political Science at Yarmouk University where he served before as the Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Arts. He was a member of the Institution Council in Jordan Institute of Diplomacy, a former board member in the Jordanian Political Science Association. Dr. Momani is a columnist at Alghad newspaper. He has been invited as a speaker to panels and workshops on political and strategic issues locally and internationally, and is a publisher of several books, academic articles, and occasional papers. He is a member of several international professional Associations, and received several academic grants and awards including Best Academic Achievement at UNT.

HE Mr Samir Murad
Former Jordanian Minister of Labour

Samir Murad is a businessman and social entrepreneur, dedicated to youth development, education, employability, responsible citizenship, public service. He served as the Jordanian Minister of Labour twice (2010-2011 and 2018-2019) and currently serves as the President of Said Murad & Sons for Trade & Investment and Vice-Chairman of MedGulf Insurance Company.

His leadership positions include Secretary-General of the Jordan Scouts and Guides Association; Chairman of the Jordan Education for Employment; Chairman of Social Security Corporation; Chairman of Vocational Training Corporation; Chairman of Employment – Technical & Vocational Education & Training Fund; Chairman of National Company for Employment and Training; and Chairman of Amman Baccalaureate School Endowment Fund. He also is a Founding Member of Jordan Chapters of the Young Presidents’ Organisation and the World Presidents Organisation; Co-Founder of Peace Action Network; and Co-Founder of Arab Foundation for Sustainable Development (RUWWAD).

In addition to these posts, Samir is a member of several boards, including the Nuqul Automotive Company; Jordan Social Security Investment Fund; Jordan Economic Investment Fund; Jordan Economic Social Council; Jordan Strategy Forum; Economic Policy Development Forum; National Committee on Human Resource Development; and Palestinian Association for Children’s Encouragement of Sport (PACES). He previously served on the boards of many profit and non-profit organisations, such as Capital Bank; Energy Management Services; INJAZ; and EDAMA.

HE Mrs Suzanne Afanah
Managing Partner of Advvise

Suzanne Afanah is a communications and media professional. Since 2011, she has held the post of Managing Partner of Advvise, a public relations and marketing consulting firm based in Amman. The firm is dedicated to assisting organisations with the development of their communications strategies.

Mr Nasser Majali

Secretary General to the Olympic Committee (JOC)

Nasser Majali has served as the Secretary General to the Jordan Olympic Committee (JOC) since October 2016. Nasser is also currently a member of the IOC Marketing Commission, Executive Board member in the Islamic Solidarity Sport Federation, and member of the Sport Commission in the Olympic Council of Asia.

After graduating from the University of Michigan with a BA in Economics and Political Science in 2001, he obtained his MBA from the American University of Beirut in 2006. He is currently pursuing his second Master’s Degree in Olympic Studies from the German Sport University Cologne. He is trained and experienced in Project Management, Change Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, Media and Communications.

Nasser has over 15 years of extensive business and management experience in both education and practice. He has worked across multiple sectors including IT, Trading, Financial Services, and NGOs. Nasser has successfully established and managed a number of companies and organisations. Over the past decade, he has also served as a board member for multiple companies as well as non-profit organisations.

Throughout his professional career, Nasser maintained a strong passion for sport by participating in a number of team sports including football, softball and basketball. He is an expert skier and a keen photographer, having had his work displayed at a number of exhibitions. He has also volunteered his photography services to numerous sporting and non-sporting organisations.

Mr Ala’ Khalifeh
Managing Partner, Khalifeh & Partners Law Firm

Ala’ Khalifeh is Managing Partner at Khalifeh and Partners, one of Jordan’s leading law firms. As a specialist in corporate and commercial law, Ala’ advises on major infrastructure projects taking place in Jordan. He has an LLB from the University of Jordan, and a DLS and LLM from Manchester University.

Ms Deema Bibi
CEO of INJAZ

Deema Bibi has held the post of CEO for INJAZ, a youth-centered non-profit organization in Jordan, since 2005. INJAZ focuses on youth education, development, and employment through programmes, which are facilitated to students in schools, universities, and various social institutions. As part of her role, she has developed INJAZ operations to reach over one million students to date, through a network of over 23,000 qualified volunteers.

GFP Jordan General Assembly

The General Assembly provides ultimate governance oversight, particularly in relation to our annual Audited Financial Statements and our Annual Report. It also acts as the guardian of the Bylaws, since only the General Assembly can approve a change to the Bylaws.
The General Assembly comprises the following Members:

• HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein (Chairman)
• HE Mr Marwan Juma
• HE Mr Mohammad Nabulsi
• HE Mr Nasser Majali (ex officio, as Secretary General of the Jordan Olympic Committee)
• HE Mrs Lana Mahmoud Mohammad Al Jaghbeer
• HE Dr Sari Ahmad Hamdan Ghuneimeh
• Mr Ala’ Khalifeh
• Mr Mazen Tantash
• Mrs Jadranka Stikovac Clark
• Mr Walid Mahmoud Abu Obeid
• Mr Khaled Mohammad Abdalrahim Al Atiyaat
• Mrs Samar Nabil Najeeb Nassar

GFP Jordan President 

Dr  Mohanned Arabiat

Dr. Mohanned joined GFP in March 2017 and serves as a direct link to HRH Prince Feisal Al-Hussein and the Board.

Dr. Mohanned’s academic research experience, passion for social justice and community development, change management and leadership, and application of technology in organisations and society ensures his invaluable input informing the work of the organisation. He believes in creating spaces for youth to express themselves in a positive manner through unique interactions.

As a passionate advocate for human rights and countering extremism, Dr. Mohanned works towards a vision where conflict and difference do not end in violence. He strives to counter the extremist narratives with narratives of peace, tolerance, and acceptance.

Until recently, Dr. Mohanned was Assistant Professor at Princess Sumaya University for Technology. His academic interests include leadership, change management, and technology acceptance. He has a PhD in Computer and Information Science and a Masters in Information Systems from DePaul University in Chicago, as well as a Masters in Social Justice and Community Development from Loyola University, Chicago, in addition to his Bachelors degree in Computer Information Systems from University of Jordan.

 USA Board Members

                        Samar Ali (Vice/Chair)

Samer Ali holds professional experience as a lawyer, conflict mediation practitioner, social entrepreneur, and CEO. Currently she works with Millions of Conversations as the Founding President and CEO, with Vanderbilt University as a Research Professor in Political Science and Law, and as the Co-Chair of Unity Project & American Democracy.

Samar also sits on several board communities including: WinROCK International; Council on Foreign Relations; Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum; Foundation for Society Law & Arts in South Africa; Nashville Metro Council Human Relations Commission; Tennessee World Affairs Council; NPR’s Nashville Affiliate, Nashville Public Radio; and Vanderbilt Law School Board of Advisors.

In addition to her current roles, she also works as the Director for Lodestone Advisory Group. Her past experience includes: International Counsel at Bass Berry & Sims (2016-2021); Partner at Bone, McAllester, Norton PLLC (2014-2016); Adjunct Professor & Visiting Scholar at Vanderbilt University, School of Arts and Sciences (2012-2017); Legal Advisor at Baker Donelson (2014); Assistant Commissioner for International Affairs at State of Tennessee, Department of Economic and Community Development (2012-2013); Advisor/Senior Staff at United States Department of Homeland Security (2010-2012); White House Fellow at The White House (2010-2011); Associate Corporate Group at Hogan Lovells US L.L.P. (2007-2010);  Law Clerk at South Africa Supreme Court of Appeal (2007); Law Clerk at U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit (2006).

   Andrea Thomas, EdD

Dr. Andrea Thomas is a leader in virtual exchange with an outstanding track record for delivering transformative results to build and scale international programming in higher education. Disruptor and change agent, Andrea has worked with 35 universities globally as an institutional mentor to design effective programming for digital community and international peer to peer learning through Virtual Exchange and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL).

Andrea was the Senior International Officer (SIO) at Farmingdale State College and a Fellow for the Association of International Educators Administrators (AIEA) in 2019. She has worked with the American Council on Education (ACE) and The SUNY COIL Center on Virtual Exchange.

Andrea began her career at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) where she focused on Ethics and operations within international development.  She earned a Doctorate at the University of Southern California (USC), Rossier School of Education where she studied Global Education Leadership and Administration with rotations in Hong Kong, Finland and Qatar. Andrea is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer from the Kyrgyz Republic and speaks Russian, Kyrgyz, and Spanish languages. She has lived and worked in Central Asia, Southern Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South America.

Cath Thompson

Cath Thompson is a peacebuilding and network-building professional with experience in conflict transformation, philanthropy, grant solicitation and management, network building, and group facilitation. Currently she serves as Managing Director for the Peace and Security Funders Group (PSFG) and as a Navigator with Wayfinding Partners, a strategic consulting firm specializing in organizational transformation with a racial justice lens.

Before joining PSFG, Cath worked at Independent Sector, where she supported a network of over 500 philanthropies and nonprofits through capacity-building and programming.

Previously, Cath founded and managed PeaceMeals, a program that leveraged cooking classes and facilitated dinners to promote community-building and wellness. Cath served on staff and as a Scoville Fellow at the Truman National Security Project and as a Fulbright Scholar in Morocco. Cath’s fieldwork in peacebuilding and post-conflict rehabilitation have brought her around the world, including to North Africa, Senegal, Northern Ireland, and Iraq. She has obtained certifications from the United States Institute of Peace Academy, in addition to her MA degree in International Relations from Queens University. Her past experiences include Founder and Director of PeaceMeals (2011-2018); Associate, Programs and Practice, at Independent Sector (2016-2017); Residential Counselor at Rogers Memorial Hospital (2013-2015); Grants Manager and Policy Associate/Scoville Fellow with the Truman National Security Project (2011-2012); and Program Coordinator at International Reach, Office of International Student Services, University of Wisconsin (2008-2009).

                   Jacob Toups

Jacob Toups is a progressive multidimensional leader who specializes in fundraising, youth development, non-profit management, program management and implementation, government partnerships, grant management, and proposal writing. He currently serves as the Innovation and Fund Development Manager for the city of Los Angeles’ Housing Authority in California.

Jacob has volunteered and served on several boards for non-profits. He is the Founder of Rainbow Labs and volunteers on the United Way Emerging Leaders Board. In the past he volunteered as a VISTA member for AmeriCorps.

Jacob’s past professional experience includes: Executive Director for Merging Vets and Players (2017-2020); Los Angeles City Director at Up2Us Sports (2017); Los Angeles City Senior Regional Manager at Up2Us Sports (2015-2017); Los Angeles City Program Manager at Up2Us Sports (2013-2015); Los Angeles Regional Coordinator at Up2Us Sports (2011-2013); Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator, A World Fit For Kids! (2011-2012); Administrative Assistant at International Relief and Development (2011); Economic Officer Assistant U.S. State Dept. (2010).

James Kallusky Ed D

James Kallusky is a non-profit executive, community program leader, grant maker, author and tenured professor who created the nation’s first-degree program in sports-based youth development. He currently works with Fight For Children as the Chief Program Officer.

James currently serves as a board member for Alliance of Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility Through Sport. His previous work experience includes: Chief Operating Officer at Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA (2017-2020); Deputy Director for Clinton Health Matters Initiative (2015-2017); Vice President of Growth and Strategy at Up2Us Sports (2010-2015); Principal and Founder at JPK Consulting (2004-2010); Associate Professor and Director of Youth Agency Administration Studies at California State University, Los Angeles (1995-2004).

 Jeanné Lewis

                      Jude Khalaf

Jude Khalaf is a dedicated Program Manager who holds experience in building successful compliance programs within the humanitarian field. Currently, Jude works as MENA Region Program Officer with InterNews.

In addition to her degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, Human Rights, and Arabic from the University of California, Berkeley, Jude has obtained certifications in Gender in Humanitarian Aid from OCHA and Monitoring and Evaluation certification from CRS.

Jude has previously worked in the humanitarian field as a Protection Program Officer with Un Pointe Per (UPP) Jordan (2020-2021); Protection Program Manager with Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) (2019-2020); Program Officer at United States Institute of Peace (USIP) (2017-2019); Monitoring and Evaluation Senior Officer – Sustainable Development Program at Care International (2015-2017).

  Sarah Murray

Sarah Murray is a non-profit leader with 25 years of experience using sport and play for justice, inclusion, and equity. Her work, largely focused on gender justice and intersectionality spans 65 countries.

Sarah currently works as both the Executive Director of Free to Run and as the Principal of Grow the Game, a global consultancy aimed at providing strategic support to efforts involving sport and social change across sectors.

Sarah has served on multiple non-profit and NGO boards, as both a director and advisor, including: Women’s Wilderness; Women Deliver; Equality League; Shirzanan Global.

Her previous professional experience includes working as the Executive Director with Women’s Wilderness Institute (2019-2022); Women Win Foundation (2015-2019); Global Programs Director for Stitching Women Win (2009-2014); Gender and Leadership Consultant with FIFA (2015-2017); Digital Communications Director with Women’s Sports Foundation (1999-2008). Sarah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies and Politics and a Master’s degree in Social Justice and Community Organizing.

              Stephen Whisnant

Stephen Whisnant is a philanthropic and humanitarian professional. He is the founder of Stephen Whisnant Strategies and currently serves as the Managing Director. In addition, he also works with the United States Institute of Peace as the Chief Development Officer and Campaign Director/Senior Advisor-Consultant.

Stephen serves on the board of the following organizations: World T.E.A.M. Sports; Collegiate Directions Inc.; Peace Players International; Junior Champions Tennis Center; Velodrome Development Foundation; EverWalk; Athletes for Hope; Project Renew.

His past professional experience includes: Director of Philanthropy at National Democracy Institute (2012-2014); Managing Director for the United States Olympic And Paralympic Committee (2010-2013); Vice President, Development and Investor Relations at Venture Philanthropy Partners(2005-2007); Senior Director at Vulcan Inc. (2003-2010); Co-Founder and Executive Director at World Team Sports (1993-2010); Director of Major Gifts at Davison College (1991-1993); Acting Director of Development and Senior Development Officer at Harvard University (1981-1991); Executive Director for the Presidential and Democratic Party Victory Fund for the Democratic National Committee (1987-1988).

                    Tamar Datan

Tamar Datan is an experienced leader in advancing education, philanthropy, sustainable economic development, and conservation, with specialist expertise in executive search, strategic planning, fundraising, non-profit governance, and organizational development. She currently works as a Senior Advisor for Non-profit Professionals Advisory Group (NPAG).

Tamar currently sits on the board for All Ages Read Together and serves as the Board Chair.  Over her career, she has served on more than a dozen non-profit boards.

Her past professional experiences include her working in the following roles: Executive Director at TrueSpark (2012-2015); Executive Vice President at Amazon Conservation Team (2007-2011); Independent Consultant (2002-2006); Vice President and Director at The Nature Conservancy – Compatible Ventures Group (1999-2002); Program Manager at The Nature Conservancy – Center for Compatible Economic Development (1997-1998); Venture Fund Officer with The Pew Charitable Trusts (1992-1997); Special Assistant to the President with The Pew Charitable Trusts (1990-1992); Program Associate with the University of Massachusetts-Boston (1987-1989); Program Administer at the Lesley College Graduate School (1985-1987).

GFP USA Ambassadors

                 Kiran Singh Sirah

 Kiran Singh Sirah is President of the International Storytelling Center (ISC,) the global premier institution dedicated to the art of storytelling and producer of the world-renowned National Storytelling Festival. Prior to his appointment at ISC, Sirah established a number of award-winning arts, cultural, and human rights programs in the United Kingdom and Europe.

He began his tenure at ISC in 2013 and has grown the institution in ways previously unimaginable. Sirah is regularly asked to provide keynote talks around the world for entities such as the Smithsonian Institution; the US State Department and Department of Defense; the Alliance for Peacebuilding and Library of Congress; Dolly Parton’s Imagination library and the United Nations.

In 2017, Sirah was awarded the “Champion of Peace” recognition during Rotary Day at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, in recognition for advancing storytelling for global peace and development. Kiran believes Storytelling not only enriches lives, but also holds the key to building a better world.

Previously, Kiran has served in the following roles; A Paul Harris Fellow and Rotary Peace Fellowship (UNC/Duke; 2011-2013) Arts Manager with the Sense Scotland including management of the Helen Keller International Arts Award (2009-2011); Programming Curator at Glasgow Museums (2002-2009); Educator Officer at the National Museums Scotland (2002-2009).

                 Peter T. Coleman  

Peter T. Coleman is a renowned expert on constructive conflict resolution and sustainable peace. He currently works as Professor of Psychology and Education at Columbia University with a joint appointment at the Teachers College and The Earth Institute.

Dr. Coleman’s research focuses on conflict intelligence and systemic wisdom as meta-competencies for navigating conflict constructively across all levels and includes projects on adaptive negotiation and mediation dynamics, cross-cultural adaptivity, optimality dynamics in conflict, justice and polarization, multicultural conflict, intractable conflict, and sustainable peace. In addition, to his research he is also the Director of the Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution.

His past professional experience includes: Assistant Professor of Psychology and Education at the Program in Social-Organizational Psychology, Department of Organization and Leadership, Teachers College, Columbia University (1999-2005); Research Assistant Professor at the Program in Social-Organizational Psychology, Department of Organization and Leadership, Teachers College, Columbia University (1997-1999); Instructor at the Program in Social-Organizational Psychology, Department of Social, Organizational & Counseling Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University (1995-1997); Consultant at the International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution, Program in Social-Organizational Psychology, Department of Social, Organizational & Counseling Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University (1992-1997); Adjunct Instructor at Department of Psychology, Barnard College, Columbia University (1993-1995); Mediator, Victim Services Agency at Queens Mediation Center (1992-1993); Marketing Director, Marketing Consultant, Community Outreach Coordinator at The Regent Hospital (1988-1992); Consultant, Communication Link Incorporated (1987-1990).

GFP USA General Assembly

The General Assembly acts as the guardian of the Bylaws, since only the General Assembly can approve a change to the Bylaws.

The General Assembly comprises the following Members:
• HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein  (Chairman)
• Mr Ala’ Khalifeh
• Dr Mohanned Arabiat