Washington, DC — Long time Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) Executive Director, John Sullivan, announced his intention to retire after almost a quarter of a century at the helm.
At a meeting with members of the Board, Dr. Sullivan said: “I joined CIPE in 1983. I was its first employee, and I’ve been honored to help take this organization from a staff of six and a budget of about $1.5 million to nearly 100 employees world-wide and a 2015 revenue budget of almost $19 million. But, more importantly, I’ve been fortunate to have spent the majority of my professional career helping improve the lives of people I’ve never met by advancing free market democracy all over the world.”
CIPE’s Chairman, Greg Lebedev, added: “John’s contribution to the evolution of democracy cannot be overstated. When, for more than three decades, you commit yourself to the growth and development of the only economic system which has lifted hundreds of millions of people from desperate poverty and oppression, you not only should be extremely proud of your work but you’re certainly entitled to retire.”
As one of the core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy, CIPE today undertakes institution building and economic reform initiatives in the most complicated parts of the world. With its network of global partners, CIPE’s program of work is focused upon five key areas: Democracy and Governance, Business Associations, Anti-Corruption and Business Ethics, Enterprise Ecosystems, and Trade Facilitation.
Upon learning of Sullivan’s decision, NED President Carl Gershman said: “John Sullivan has been a core member of the NED family since the founding of the National Endowment for Democracy in 1983. He has made an immense contribution to NED’s work and to mainstreaming into NED’s agenda and strategy both market reform and the involvement of the business sector in strengthening democracy. We are all deeply grateful to him.”
U.S. Chamber CEO and CIPE President Tom Donohue commented on Sullivan’s history with CIPE by saying: “John’s grasp of the complexities of international development and corporate governance has served this institution very well. I know that the next generation of CIPE leadership will continue to look to him for advice and guidance in the months and years ahead.”
Greg Lebedev went on to announce that Andrew Wilson, CIPE’s current Deputy Director, will immediately become acting Executive Director and will continue in that role until the Board announces its succession planning process.
Published Date: January 15, 2016