From its humble beginnings in the kitchen of Direct Relief's founders in 1948, the organization has grown into a worldwide assistance effort that provides help to millions of people each year. The work of Direct Relief involves many people, each of whom plays a different but important role: a dedicated staff of more than 50 employees, a distinguished International Advisory Board, a hardworking operating Board of Directors, and several hundred volunteers who contribute their time, talent, and energy every day.
The People of Direct Relief include:
Staff
The staff conducts the day-to-day activities of running the organization. The President and CEO reports to the Board of Directors.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is responsible for the general oversight, direction, and management of the organization. Directors convene four times each year for general business meetings, although the Executive Committee and various committees of the board convene as frequently as monthly to conduct specific business on targeted issues. All directors serve without compensation.
International Advisory Board
This group of prominent leaders was formed in 2000 to provide overall guidance to Direct Relief's efforts. The members’ extensive backgrounds and accomplishments in a wide variety of fields – including finance, manufacturing, public service, communications, diplomacy, and medicine – are an enormous resource for Direct Relief's work.
Investors
The generosity of people, organizations, and companies make Direct Relief's work possible with financial and product contributions.