Pact welcomes Dennis Vega as President and Chief Executive Officer

The Board of Directors of Pact, a leading international nonprofit, has appointed Dennis Vega as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of the global organization. Vega succeeds Caroline Anstey, who retired after four years at the helm of the organization and more than three decades of international service.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dennis to Pact. He has extensive experience in global development and has demonstrated throughout his career the leadership and expertise that will enable Pact to have the greatest impact possible for the people we serve,” said Jeremy Ngunze, Chair of Pact’s Board of Directors.

Vega will join Pact on August 1, 2024. As CEO, he will shepherd the organization into its next strategic phase. For more than 50 years, Pact has been a leader in building solutions for human development in true partnership with those we serve. Pact’s expertise includes capacity development and innovation, global health, governance, environment, clean energy, livelihoods, responsible mining and more.

“We are inspired by Dennis’ dedication to Pact’s mission and commitment to data-driven, evidence-based programming that is led by communities. And his strategic management and leadership experience will be key as the organization embarks on the development of a new strategy in the coming year,” said Ellen Varney, head of the CEO selection committee of the Board of Directors.

“Today, the world stands at an inflection point: After a tumultuous last decade, will we accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, or fall further behind in the decades-long fight against poverty and inequality? Pact is poised to help drive that progress through its focus on leading with impact and its authentic commitment to locally led development. I have long admired the work of Pact, and I’m honored to join this global team of committed professionals who are working every day on some of the most challenging issues facing the world,” said Vega.

Vega comes to Pact with nearly two decades of experience in international development and nonprofit management. Most recently, he served as the Acting Deputy Administrator for Management and Resources at the U.S. Agency for International Development, overseeing operations for its 13,000-person workforce across more than 100 countries. Prior to that appointment, Vega served as Chief of Staff to USAID Administrator Samantha Power. Previously, he served as Interim President and CEO of America’s Promise Alliance, as well as Chief Operating Officer, leading the organization’s engagement with America’s young people, particularly through the Covid-19 crisis. Throughout his career, Vega has also held various positions at the U.S. Department of State and USAID.

As President and CEO, Vega will lead Pact’s global team of more than 1,200 staff implementing over 100 projects in 40 countries.