Leadership

Leadership

The Play for Peace leadership collective—comprising our Board of Directors, Roundtable Committee, Council Committee, and Global Staff—embodies a collaborative, decolonial approach to leadership and decision-making. Recognizing that traditional, top-down structures often silence diverse voices, we’ve built a framework that values shared power, community wisdom, and cultural humility. Each member of the leadership collective contributes unique insights from their communities, honoring lived experiences that guide and shape our programs. By fostering a structure that includes multiple perspectives and voices, we aim to dismantle hierarchies and center the needs and aspirations of the children and communities we serve. This approach allows us to create truly inclusive spaces that reflect, respect, and uplift local identities, ensuring our work resonates deeply and meaningfully across different cultures and regions worldwide.

A new era of collaborative leadership: honoring voices, inspiring change.

Meet the Global Team

The Global Staff at Play for Peace brings our mission to life by supporting, coordinating, and guiding community members worldwide as well as the leadership committees. They ensure our work is culturally relevant, providing training and resources to empower local leaders in fostering peace and resilience within their communities. By connecting Play for Peace members across regions, the Global Staff strengthens our movement, uniting diverse communities in a shared vision for global peace.

Sarah Gough

Executive Director

Marilyn Levin

Development Director

Dr. Michael Gass

Funds & Research Director

Chaun Pridgeon

Program Director

Caryl Gail Sereno

Digital Marketing

The Council

The Play for Peace Council serves as a guiding force, bringing together a diverse group of leaders who provide strategic insights and cultural perspectives to strengthen our mission. Council members ensure that Play for Peace’s approach remains inclusive, adaptable, and responsive to the unique needs of each community we serve. The Council is essential in aligning our global vision with local realities, fostering a compassionate, cohesive movement for peace.

The Council

Richard delosReyes

Philippines

Trang Nguyen

Vietnam

Innocent Maina

Kenya

Chaun PridGeon

United States

Kiran Sahani

Canada

Vijay Kumar

India

Farahnaz Azizyar

Afghanistan

Sinthuja

Sri Lanka

Thozi Ndlazi

South Africa

Maria Loskot

Poland

The Roundtable

The Roundtable is a passionate group who is committed to dedicating their time, resources, and expertise to help expand our impact, reaching more children and communities across the globe. Members of the Roundtable take on the mission of using their wisdom and courage to raise awareness and resources for our programs.

Alex Obriecht

Co-Chair

Cristina Dolcino

Co-Chair

Robert LaChance

Craig Dobkin

Joanne Finegan

Sanford Tollette

Michael Fisher

Hugh Fitzpatrick

John Dillon

Paul Barron

Chaun Pridgeon

Craig Zablocki

Brian Barhaugh

Jeff Opiekun

Bruce Dobkin

Tom Medicus

Chris Wiooleyhand

Bill Berault

Ken Thompson

Marty Piepol

Jacob Chacko

Harry Shanis

Marilyn Levin

Michael Gass

Peter McDowell

Board of Directors

The Play for Peace Board of Directors provides essential oversight, strategic direction, and governance to advance our mission. This committed group of leaders ensures that Play for Peace remains true to its values and purpose, making decisions that guide our long-term vision and organizational health. With a focus on sustainability and impact, the Board collaborates closely with the Executive Director to support the growth and effectiveness of our programs. Their stewardship is vital to ensuring that Play for Peace continues to create safe, inclusive spaces for peace-building and resilience around the world.

Board of Directors

Linda Hartman-Reehl, MSLOC

Board Chair

Rev. Dr. Karen McKinney

Board CoVice Chair

Michael Terrien

Co-founder, Board Co Vice Chair

Dr. Mark Havens

Board Secretary

Kevin Creely

Board Treasurer

Ron Kovich

Board Director

Tom Numbere Jr.

Board Director

Mona Kesar

Board Director

Elisa Huang

Board Director

Rahul Shah

Board Director

Carol Bowden

Board Director

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Designed with love by Francisco Hueyatl León. Copyright 2024. Play for Peace. All Rights Reserved. EIN 36-4254565