The Foundation Center Announces New Staff to Lead Technology, Outreach, and International Data Strategies
Tushar Deshpande Is Vice President for Data and Technology Strategy, Zohra Zori Is Vice President for Social Sector Outreach, and Angela Hariche Will Be Director of International Data Relations
New York, NY — January 23, 2014. The Foundation Center, the leading source of information about philanthropy worldwide, has announced the appointment of new staff positions that will strengthen its ability to meet the changing needs of the social sector. Effective January 8, Tushar Deshpande is the new vice president for data and technology strategy, and Zohra Zori is the new vice president for social sector outreach. Angela Hariche will begin her role as director of international data relations on February 1. The Foundation Center’s new talent aligns with the “Foundation Center 2020” plan, which calls for connecting social sector organizations to the resources they need to thrive, building the global data platform for philanthropy, and ensuring robust technology is in place to support these services.
“These new roles — and talent we have recruited to fill them — position the Foundation Center to leverage Big Data, open data, and an increasingly global philanthropy community and translate those opportunities into innovative solutions for the field,” said Bradford K. Smith, president of the Foundation Center. “Tushar, Zohra, and Angela are a key part of our plan to turn the Center’s 2020 strategic priorities into reality and ensure that those working to make the world a better place have the tools and resources they need when they need them.”
As vice president for data and technology strategy, Tushar Deshpande is responsible for strengthening the Foundation Center’s capacity to develop data-driven knowledge solutions for philanthropic foundations, nonprofits, and a broad array of social sector organizations. He oversees the Center’s information technology, data architecture, and the team devoted to data visualization and data mining. Recently, Tushar managed Forex and Risk application technology multi-nationally at CLS Bank. Prior to that, he spent many years at Citigroup as a global head of Investment Banking and Data Technology, as well as with other organizations such as Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and AT&T Bell Laboratories. Tushar earned an M.S. in Computer Science from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and a B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering from Bombay University in India. Tushar has served on the Board of Directors of the New York Chapter of Toastmasters International and has twice achieved the Distinguished Toastmaster recognition.
Zohra Zori, the Center’s new vice president for social sector outreach, oversees the Center’s five regional offices, a Funding Information Network of 475 worldwide affiliated locations, the GrantSpace.org web site, and a range of training and advisory services. Together, this suite of “bricks and clicks” services connects social sector organizations to funding and knowledge resources in their communities, in-person and online. The majority of Zohra’s career was spent at SIFE (now known as Enactus), an international nonprofit that brings together top students under the guidance of business experts and academic advisors to create and implement community empowerment projects around the globe. Her roles at SIFE included university relations director, program development director, regional vice president of programs, and vice president of SIFE Worldwide. Recently, Zohra was the president of Global Management Challenge USA, a strategy and management competitive-based simulation training platform. Zohra also began her own consulting firm, Fortitude 180 Consulting, which specialized in business development services for such clients as the National Basketball Retired Players Association and Project WET Foundation. Zohra holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of North Florida and serves on several boards, including the Bayat Foundation and the Global Business School Network.
A third staff member recently hired by the Foundation Center is Angela Hariche, who will serve as its director of international data relations, another new position, beginning February 1. As philanthropy grows around the world, Angela will be responsible for increasing the volume and quality of the Center’s data on international foundations through the cultivation of new and existing partnerships. Previously, she was the head of the Measuring Well-being Networks Unit at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris, France. Angela has also held lead positions at the United Nations and at the International Energy Agency, in addition to providing advisory services in international development to organizations and the French Foreign Ministry. Angela holds a B.S. in Visual and Performing Arts from Syracuse University and an M.A. in Cultural Studies and Critical Theory and Analysis from The Open University.
Cheryl Loe
Communications Project Manager
The Foundation Center
(888) 356-0354 ext. 701
communications@foundationcenter.org
About the Foundation Center
Established in 1956, the Foundation Center is the leading source of information about philanthropy worldwide. Through data, analysis, and training, it connects people who want to change the world to the resources they need to succeed. The Center maintains the most comprehensive database on U.S. and, increasingly, global grantmakers and their grants — a robust, accessible knowledge bank for the sector. It also operates research, education, and training programs designed to advance knowledge of philanthropy at every level. Thousands of people visit the Center's web site each day and are served in its five regional library/learning centers and at more than 470 Funding Information Network locations nationwide and around the world. For more information, please visit foundationcenter.org or call(212) 620-4230.
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