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Sam Worthington

Chief Executive Officer at InterAction

Sam Worthington is a prominent figure in the international NGO sector, leading InterAction, the largest alliance of US international NGOs with over 220 organizations and an annual investment of $15.4 billion worldwide since 2006.

Under his leadership, InterAction plays a crucial role in promoting thought leadership on various global issues such as U.S. foreign assistance, humanitarian action, food security, democracy & governance, climate change, global development, protection, gender equality, diversity & inclusion, child rights, and individual country assessments. The NGO Futures program initiated by Worthington assists nonprofit CEOs in adapting their organizations to the evolving landscape.

He represents the NGO sector at prestigious platforms including the White House, Congress, US government agencies, G-7/20 countries, the United Nations system, corporations, embassies, and civil society. This involvement has led to significant achievements like winning a US Supreme Court case, influencing policy changes, and securing billion-dollar global pledges.

Before becoming the CEO of InterAction, Sam Worthington served as the Vice Chair of InterAction's Board, where he also chaired several committees. His extensive experience includes being the CEO of Plan International USA, a $1 billion child-rights organization, from 1994 to 2006. He was actively engaged in Plan International's global management and leadership as well.

Apart from his roles at InterAction and Plan International, Worthington remains connected to various organizations such as the Council on Foreign Relations, ACVFA at USAID, and the Vice Chair of Forus board, among others. His expertise has been recognized through affiliations with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) at the United Nations and valuable contributions to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.

Sam Worthington's dedication to the welfare of children is evident through his involvement with the Van Leer Foundations, particularly as Vice Chair and chairing the early childhood committee. His vast impact extends to initiatives like 1000 Days, the ONE Campaign, and the Hope for African Children Initiative (HACI), emphasizing his commitment to societal well-being.

An accomplished scholar, Worthington holds a BA in Political Science and French from the University of Vermont and a MA with Distinction in International Policy Studies from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. His academic journey includes studying at the University of Geneva and serving as a Fulbright Scholar at the International Labor Office.

Worthington's contributions to the global NGO landscape are not confined to his professional engagements alone. He has undertaken prestigious roles such as being a Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center policy fellow and leading the Global NGO Impact Initiative on behalf of the UN Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery. His proactive involvement in crucial events like the US NGOs response to the Haiti earthquake showcases his leadership and humanitarian spirit.

Through his speeches, Congressional testimonies, articles, and media engagements, Sam Worthington continues to be a leading voice representing US NGOs. His profound impact on the sector is a testament to his passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to creating positive change worldwide.

Sam Worthington
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Location

Washington DC-Baltimore Area