Staff Directory

Dr. Charles Aanenson, CEO:  aanenson@peacewindsamerica.org

Dr. Charles Aanenson is Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Peace Winds America. He brings over 30 years of experience in the field   of international aid and development. Serving in numerous leadership positions throughout Asia and Eastern Europe, Dr. Aanenson has carried out projects involving international governments, NGO’s, militaries, and the private sector. He recently coordinated the two largest assistance policies and programs of the U.S. and Japan Governments, addressing areas such as disaster relief, health, and education. His experience in disaster mitigation extends from designing and implementing disaster readiness and response training programs to coordinating on-site relief. Dr. Aanenson earned a Ph.D and M.S. in Public Administration from Indiana University, and received his B.A. from Washington State University.

Mari Poorman, Project Officer: poorman@peacewindsamerica.org

Mari Poorman joined Peace Winds America as a Project Officer in February, 2010. She brings many years of experience in project management and international business development, with a focus on the U.S. and Japan. Born in Japan, Mari is fluent in both Japanese and English.  She holds a B.S. in Public Relations from the University of Utah.

Patrick Schmitt, Project Officer: schmitt@peacewindsamerica.org

Patrick Schmitt joined PWA in May 2010 as a Project Officer. He uses his background in community organizing and fundraising to help build PWA’s disaster relief program. PWA’s integrated response strategy drew him to the organization, where he works towards increasing collaboration and cooperation among responders. He earned an M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Toronto and a B.A. in Anthropology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin.

Jon Ehrenfeld joined PWA in July, 2011 as the Civil-Military Program Officer. A new transplant to Seattle, he arrives from Washington, DC with an extensive background in international research and nonprofit work. Jon’s background spans researching on climate change in Southeast Asia to writing about terrorism, reconstruction and security in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also has extensive on-the-ground emergency experience as a paramedic in the DC area. Jon holds an M.A. in International Security Studies from George Washington University and a B.A. in history from Swarthmore College.

General Inquiries: info@peacewindsamerica.org or call 206-432-3712

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