Barry Lowenkron, who has served as MacArthur's Vice President of International Programs for seven years, has resigned effective August 1. Barry brought vision and strategic thinking to MacArthur’s international work, with “collaboration” and “inclusiveness” becoming hallmarks of the program. During his tenure, he directed international grantmaking toward important changes in human rights, conservation and sustainable development, and population and reproductive health while exploring a new area for philanthropic grantmaking: girls' secondary education in developing countries. He built and supported cross-foundation work, from climate to migration, and collaboration among international programs, from East Africa to the Lower Mekong. He proposed work on crisis migration, anticipating the cataclysmic effects of climate change on vulnerable populations globally. Lowenkron also played a major role in the recruitment of a talented group of professionals in the Foundation's Chicago and overseas offices.
In stepping down, Lowenkron said, “I have always believed that while people in our line of work have a permanent commitment to advance the human condition, none of us should view ourselves as ‘permanent’ in the positions we are privileged to occupy. For me, it’s time to move on to other challenges and opportunities where I can apply my passion.”