A lunch discussion on transitioning international philanthropy from immediate crisis relief to long term and sustainable support in Haiti.

Experts and stakeholders examine international philanthropy’s role in rebuilding Haiti post-crisis, and explore critical issues related to the sustainable rebuilding of infrastructure, government and services, and the economy. The discussion focuses on the role of donors in ensuring that Haiti’s government and civil institutions are equipped to respond, and impacted areas are rebuilt in a manner that is more resilient to future disasters.

Speakers and responders discuss topics including:
-There are more than 10,000 NGOs in Haiti, how can partnerships be leveraged?
-What issues must be addressed from a policy perspective and what can donors do?
-What are the requirements are for successful recovery in Haiti, and what will success look like?

Participants in the audience have opportunities to ask questions and make comments as well.

Moderator: Jeff Richardson, Vice President, Abbott Fund

Ludovic Comeau Jr. is an associate professor and academic director at the School for New Learning, DePaul University. Dr. Comeau was the former chief economist at the Central Bank of Haiti and is an expert on Haiti matters. He holds a Ph.D. in business economics, an MBA and an MA in economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago, a Bachelor in business administration and a Law degree from the State University of Haiti, and an MA in French Literature from the University of Chicago. He currently researches the use of innovative teaching techniques in economics.

Laura Hartman is a professor of management and the research director of the Institute for Business and Professional Ethics in DePaul University’s College of Commerce. A frequent visitor to Haiti, Ms. Hartman is coordinating DePaul’s participation in a micro-finance project to encourage investment in the economy, create jobs and support education in the Caribbean nation, which is the poorest in the Western Hemisphere.

Jeffrey Jordan is Senior Vice President of Programs for Catholic Medical Mission Board. Mr. Jordan heads up CMMB’s worldwide healthcare programs and program operations, and its medical volunteer program. His areas of technical expertise include policy analysis and presentation training, participatory policy processes through civil society networks, work on demographic linkages to related sectors including the environment and food security, and gender. Mr. Jordan has worked in Haiti since 1995 and has made more than 20 trips to the country. He returned to the US in February following a 9 day post earthquake assessment trip to Haiti.

Peter Slevin, Chicago bureau chief of The Washington Post, has reported from dozens of countries, as well as the foreign policy precincts of Washington, D.C. He covered Barack Obama’s campaign for the White House and writes extensively about domestic politics. Peter reported for the Post from Haiti after the earthquake, and his coverage raised questions about the adequacy of the international response to an epic emergency and the ability of the Haitian government to lead the recovery. His trip to Haiti was his fourth. Caren Yanis became the executive director of the Crown Family Philanthropies in 2009, as part of an effort designed to generate succession and develop greater impact. Prior to this, Ms. Yanis directed Oprah Winfrey’s charities, including Oprah’s Angel Network. Caren is currently a member of the Chicago Global Donors Network’s Ambassadors’ Council, a member of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs President’s Circle, and is a sits on the Critical Impact Awards selection committee for the Council on Foundations.

Recorded Friday, March 26, 2010 at The Standard Club.