Anera Leadership Transition
WASHINGTON (Aug. 26, 2026) — After nine years at Anera, the organization’s president and CEO, Sean Carroll, has made the decision to phase out from his role by the end of 2026.
Since joining Anera in 2017, Sean has led the organization through a period of extraordinary growth and profound challenges. He arrived as Anera approached its 50th anniversary and has since guided its operations through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beirut port explosion and Lebanon’s economic crisis, and the devastating wars and humanitarian crises in Gaza and Lebanon.
During Sean’s tenure, Anera has substantially expanded the scale of its humanitarian and development work across Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan. The organization grew from delivering approximately $65 million in annual programming when he joined to more than $170 million in assistance in 2025. Anera has also continued to strengthen programs in health, education, livelihoods, agriculture, water and sanitation, while responding to unprecedented humanitarian needs.
Anera Board Chair Joe Saba said today,
“Sean has led Anera through an extraordinary period, helping guide the organization through profound humanitarian crises while expanding its capacity to serve millions of people across the region. The Anera Board is deeply grateful for his leadership, his sound judgment and, above all, his unwavering commitment to Anera’s mission. At the same time, what has made these years possible is the strength of the organization Sean leaves behind: the dedicated staff, trusted partners, committed supporters and strong relationships across the region that are at the heart of Anera’s work. The Board is confident in Anera’s future and in our ability to build on this foundation as we look to the next chapter of the organization’s leadership.”
“It has been the greatest privilege and the most challenging endeavor of my professional life to serve Anera and to work alongside such extraordinary colleagues across Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan and the United States,” Sean Carroll said.
“Over my tenure, we have faced challenges that few could have imagined, but I have never lost faith in the determination and ingenuity of the people we serve, or in the commitment of the Anera team to stand with them. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, and especially of the way our staff, partners and supporters have continued to show up for communities through crisis after crisis. Anera is a strong organization with a vital mission, and I leave knowing that its work will continue with the same compassion, creativity and resolve that have defined it for nearly six decades.”
To ensure a smooth transition, Sean will remain involved with Anera as senior advisor to the Anera Board of Directors, through the end of this year. The board has begun the process of identifying Anera’s next president and CEO. Anera’s chief operating officer will serve as acting CEO to provide leadership during the transition, working closely with acting president Joe Saba, the chairman of the board.
Anera’s work continues without interruption. Our teams across Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan remain focused on providing essential humanitarian assistance and building pathways to a more secure and dignified future for the communities we serve.
“We have an exceptionally strong organization, with dedicated staff and partners across the region and supporters around the world,” said Saba. “Anera’s mission remains as vital as ever, and the board is confident in the organization’s future.”
The board will provide additional updates about the leadership transition and CEO search as the process moves forward.
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About Anera
Since 1968, Anera has helped refugees and others hurt by conflicts in the Middle East live with dignity and purpose. Anera, which has no political or religious affiliation, works on the ground with partners in the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem, Lebanon, and Jordan. We mobilize resources for immediate humanitarian relief and for sustainable health, education, and economic development efforts. Our staff are from the communities they serve, navigating the politics that constrict progress to get help where it’s needed most. We will keep building better lives until hope finds its way in the Middle East.