Ken Lizzio Joins Anera as Country Director WestBank/Gaza
May 28, 2010 | Washington, DC American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) is pleased to announce that Dr. Kenneth Lizzio has joined the organization as Aneras Country Director, based in Jerusalem. Lizzio is a veteran development professional who has more than 25 years experience in project management and research in the Middle East, Africa and other regions.
Lizzio will supervise 60 staff and volunteers and provide overall leadership in Aneras activities throughout the West Bank and Gaza, including health and education services, sustainable community development, water rehabilitation and agriculture, microfinance as well as emergency relief and medical aid. He replaces Robert Crothers who has returned to Britain for medical treatment.
Prior to joining Anera, Lizzio was Director of the Office of Democracy and Governance for USAID in Macedonia where he managed a $7 million program. Experienced in program and project management, he has also worked in the West Bank, as well as several African and Asian countries. Lizzio is accomplished in grant administration, having managed several large grants with dozens of staff reporting to him.
Kens wealth of knowledge and experience in the design and management of development projects, combined with his deep understanding of Palestinian and Middle Eastern cultures will make him a thoughtful leader for assisting Palestinians to improve their lives, said Anera President Bill Corcoran.
A specialist in Near East Studies and Islamic religious issues, Lizzio has also taught anthropology at James Madison University, Virginia and Winthrop University, North Carolina. He also served as a research analyst for the US State Department. The Pennsylvania native is a graduate of Rider University, New Jersey, with a MA and PhD in Near Eastern Studies from University of Arizona. He is fluent in French and Arabic.