Humanitarian organization FilmAid International has appointed Meryl Frank, a former Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, to executive director. Frank will begin her position on March 1.
Frank is an experienced advocate, diplomat, elected-official and leadership consultant, who brings to FilmAid an understanding of local and international affairs. In addition to her Ambassadorship, Frank is the former Mayor of Highland Park, New Jersey (2000-2010). As President/CEO of international consulting firm Makeda Global Network, she focused on women’s leadership, working with diverse groups — ranging from Maasai basket weavers to Microsoft executives. Her work has taken her to
countries including Afghanistan, Jordan, Malawi, Ukraine, Morocco, Algeria, Israel, Ethiopia, Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Belarus, Lithuania, Kenya, South Africa, India, Ethiopia and Cambodia.
FilmAid said it is delighted to welcome Ambassador Frank as the organization celebrates its 15th anniversary.
“When I began FilmAid, I had no idea that a simple concept — to give people hope and information through film — would become such a vital and enduring service, and that 15 years later it would be more crucial than ever,” said FilmAid founder Caroline Baron. “Today, the refugee crisis has grown beyond World War II levels and continues to expand. We are thrilled to have Meryl’s passion and leadership on board to help guide FilmAid over the coming years.”
Frank noted that FilmAid’s respectful approach is what impressed her most about the organization. “Stories written, filmed, and performed by refugees for refugees… it is a powerful approach and its impact on a community is huge,” said Frank.
FilmAid International is a New York-based non-profit organization dedicated to using the power of film and other media to empower, inspire, and bring life-saving information to refugees and others displaced by crisis. FilmAid currently runs programs in Africa, Asia and Colombia, and recently launched a pilot program for Syrian refugees in Jordan. FilmAid staff and volunteer professionals work together with refugees to mount mobile cinema screenings, teach film/media skills and disseminate crucial information on health and safety. FilmAid’s work has reached millions of refugees since its founding in 1999 during the Kosovo War by film producer Caroline Baron (“Capote”).