Entry: Bill Guyton, World Cocoa Foundation
We were pleased to learn today that Stan Straughter has been elected the new Chairman of the Constituency for Africa in Washington, DC. For those in the development community, Stan is well-known for his advocacy work in supporting Africa. He, along with Mel Foote, President and CEO of CFA, will do an excellent job in raising the organization to even higher levels.
World Cocoa Foundation has been a long-time supporter of CFA, and we have participated in their Ron Brown Series Meetings for the past three years in Washington. The organization brings together is an important voice and partner on African issues.
Below is the CFA press release from today. Congratulations to Stan and the members and staff of CFA!
STANLEY L. STRAUGHTER ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR CONSTITUENCY FOR AFRICA
October 6, 2009 - Washington, D.C. – Stanley L. Straughter was unanimously elected as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Constituency for Africa (CFA) at the conclusion of CFA’s 2009 Ronald H. Brown African Affairs Series in Washington, D.C. He graciously accepted this position and stated that he is extremely proud to follow in the footsteps of Congressman Ronald V. Dellums, Mayor David N. Dinkins and Ambassador Andrew Young respectively. Mr. Straughter had previously served as CFA’s Treasurer and brings to CFA a stellar background in legislative affairs, financial management, and non-profit fundraising as well as civic responsibility. He is affiliated with Thompson, Cobb, Bazilio and Associates, (TCBA), the largest African-American owned accounting firm in the United States. He is also a Special Advisor to both the Opportunities Industrialization Centers, International (OICI) and the International Foundation for Education and Self-Help (IFESH) and has more than thirty years experience in international development.
Chairman Straughter has lived and worked in many countries on the continents of Africa, Central Asia, the Caribbean and Russia. As a finance specialist, he has provided services to foreign governments in governance and transparency by working with finance ministers and provided advice and counsel to governments on trade policy and foreign direct investments. He speaks French and has considerable working experience with bi-lateral and multi-lateral financial development entities such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), African Development Bank (AfDB), African Development Foundation (ADF), Eastern Caribbean Investment Promotion Services (ECIPS), U.S. Trade and Development Administration (TDA), the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
He is actively involved with many international organizations and in particular is the Honorary Consul for the Republic of Guinea. He was also appointed by the Mayor of Philadelphia to Chair the Mayor’s Commission for African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs and is a Founding Member of the Jamaican Trade Council of Greater Philadelphia. He is also a Board Member of the Global Interdependence Center. He frequently serves as a Senior Advisor and Consultant to both large and small organizations within the public and private sectors as well as non-profit entities. He is also the immediate past Coordinator of the African American Unity Caucus (AAUC).
The Constituency for Africa is a 19-year old non-profit 501(c)3 advocacy organization whose vision is to create an educated U.S. public that is well informed about Africa and U.S. policy toward Africa. CFA’s mission is to mobilize and foster increased cooperation and coordination among a broad-based coalition of American, African and international organizations and individuals committed to the progress and empowerment of Africa and African people. Melvin P. Foote is the President and CEO of the Constituency for Africa and for more information about CFA, please visit our website at www.cfanet.org.
