National Peace Corps Association welcomes new Board Directors!
We had an exceptional group of board candidates for the 2025 board elections, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who applied and shared their passion, expertise, and vision. Choosing just a few among so many outstanding individuals was no easy task. The six new board directors will officially begin as of the annual board meeting on September 27.
As we look ahead, we also want to extend heartfelt thanks to our departing Board Directors—Faith Van Gilder, Gretchen Upholt, and Michael Roman—for their invaluable contributions and years of dedicated service. Their leadership has left a lasting impact.
If you’re inspired to help shape the future of our organization, we invite you to get involved and explore the many ways you can contribute your time, talents, and voice. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community. Find out more about Board Service here.
Meet the Incoming Board Directors:
Scott Beale (member-elected)
(Associate Director Global Ops, 2021-2024)
Arlington, VA
LinkedIn Profile
I was honored to lead global operations at the Peace Corps for nearly four years, helping return Volunteers to service after the pandemic and driving innovation during one of the most critical moments in agency history.
Appointed by President Biden in 2021, I helped relaunch programs in 60+ countries, opened new posts in Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Palau, and El Salvador, grew the Virtual Service Pilot, created the agency’s first climate strategy, and served as lead Congressional briefer, helping secure a 20% increase in the President’s budget request.
Beyond the Peace Corps, I’ve been a lifelong champion for international service—volunteering in Bosnia, founding Atlas Corps (a “reverse Peace Corps” with 1,100 leaders from 110 countries), and serving on boards including AIESEC USA and the American Community Association in Vietnam.
I’m a former US Diplomat and White House employee, I’m now working as an Executive Coach and advisor to global nonprofits, I have the time and energy to help NPCA and the Peace Corps community not just survive—but thrive.
Kathryn Jacob (member-elected)
(RPCV Turkmenistan, 2000-2001)
Waxahachie, Tx
LinkedIn Profile
I’m motivated to serve on the NPCA board by a lifelong commitment to global equity, community-led change, and the empowerment of women—values deepened during my Peace Corps service in Turkmenistan. That experience shaped my career and continues to guide my leadership.
As CEO of a large nonprofit in Texas and a national expert on gender-based violence, I bring decades of experience in nonprofit governance, strategic growth, and coalition-building. I’ve led cross-sector collaborations, testified in felony court and in the statehouse, and directed national research efforts on intimate partner violence. I hope my networks across advocacy, policy, and research can help NPCA broaden its impact, elevate RPCV voices, and drive bold, mission-aligned initiatives.
Ricky Ferrari Traner (member-elected)
(RPCV Vanuatu, 2009-2011)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LinkedIn Profile
My interest in joining the board of directors for our National Peace Corps Association is to apply my years of service to help fellow RPCVs throughout our country. I have over 20 years of professional leadership experience with non-profit, public and private organizations. Also, I have leadership experience in logistic management from my time as an officer with the Wisconsin Army National Guard. Currently, I am an executive with the State of Wisconsin’s Department of Children & Families. As a seasoned organizational leader, I would like to apply the skills of collective impact management and logistics to the board of NPCA.
Additionally, I volunteered to led and served as a member of over 10 non-profit and state advisory councils or boards. This includes acting as president of the board of directors with the Milwaukee Peace Corps Association. Also, I currently am an appointed member of 2 advisory councils for the governor of Wisconsin. I want to apply the skills I gained with these volunteer experiences to better supporting my fellow RPCVs nationwide.
Keri M Lowry (member-elected)
(RPCV Burkina Faso, 2000-2002,
EMA Regional Director 2014-2016)
Washington, DC
LinkedIn Profile
Serving Peace Corps as a volunteer and staff member has truly been an honor and privilege. I am deeply committed to continue serving Peace Corps, especially during these unprecedented times. The work, impact, and global presence of Peace Corps is needed now more than ever.
Being a PCV in Burkina Faso 20+ years ago opened the doors and passion for my career in foreign diplomacy. I returned from Peace Corps and began working at an international nonprofit, then U.S. Agency for International Development, National Security Council, Peace Corps, Department of State, Congressional Commission on Service, international consulting firm, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation. I have served under Presidents Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden. Throughout my experiences, I have been presented with opportunities and challenges including evacuating volunteers and opening new Peace Corps programs. The strength and determination I gained as a PCV remains my foundation – if I can do Peace Corps, I can do anything. I could not think of a better way to keep supporting and contributing to Peace Corps than serving on the NPCA Board.
Sarah Fuhrmann Thorwirth (board-elected)
(RPCV Guatemala, 2007-2009)
Ecuador
LinkedIn Profile
I would be honored to join the NPCA Board to contribute my leadership, board governance, and volunteer development experience in support of the Peace Corps community. I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala, an experience that shaped my lifelong commitment to international development and cross-cultural collaboration.
For over a decade, I served on the board of the San Diego Peace Corps Association (SDPCA), as well as on other nonprofit boards. I bring a strong background in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and mentoring volunteers. My career is focused on community and leadership development; managing teams and partners to build and implement inclusive, sustainable programs that reflect the voices and needs of the community.
Joining the NPCA Board would allow me to help foster deeper connections among RPCVs, support affiliate groups, and expand the reach and relevance of Peace Corps ideals across generations and borders.
Alex Kruzel (board-elected)
(RPCV Mozambique, 2006-2009)
Chicago, IL
LinkedIn Profile
In a time of material US policy upheaval and growing geopolitical tensions, I am eager to support the Returned Peace Corps Volunteer community as we rally to safeguard Peace Corps and its enduring mission. Given my global private and public sector experience, I am well-suited to help advance NPCA’s development goals and corporate engagement, catalyzing the organization’s financial sustainability and reach. Moreover, with my background in management consulting and board engagement, I can support NPCA in the maintenance of its strategy to amplify its long-term impact. Being in the Peace Corps was the gift of a lifetime, something I will cherish forever. With the threats posed to the organization, I cannot sit back. I am grateful for the consideration and am ready to help in any way.