Communications & Resource Development

Director of Communications & Resource Development

Charles Sheerin
Charles Sheerin is the Director of Communications and Resource Development at Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A.

Prior to joining the Foundation in February 2011, Charles was acting Vice President of Development at World Wildlife Fund U.S. He joined that organization in July 2006 as Managing Director of Major Gifts and built a team of regionally based gift officers. In the late 1990s, he helped to launch the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program at the World Wildlife Fund U.S. Charles worked at The Nature Conservancy both as Director of Philanthropy Services, where he oversaw all development services for state and country programs, and as Development Director of the organization’s Eastern New York Chapter. He also worked for the World Bank where he focused on natural resource management issues.

Charles currently sits on the board of the Upper Saranac Lake Foundation in the Adirondacks, an organization focused on watershed conservation. He has a Master’s degree in International Development from American University and a Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia.

Communications Staff

Martha Sipple, Communications and Public Affairs Manager
Martha Sipple is the Communications and Public Affairs Manager at the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. She joined the Foundation in June 2001. She is responsible for managing the day-to-day communications operations including media and public relations, producing publications and multimedia products, and developing strategies for awareness/fundraising campaigns. She directs the Foundation’s development education program and develops training and outreach materials for AKF USA volunteers.

Prior to working at the Foundation, Martha was a consultant at the World Bank Institute for five years. She ran a video production company for 10 years that focused on educational, training and documentary programs primarily for nonprofits. She received a Master’s degree in International Development and a Master’s in Education from American University and a Bachelor’s degree in Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

David Taylor, Communications Officer
David Taylor is the Communications Officer at the Aga Khan Foundation USA. He joined the Foundation in October 2011.

Prior to working at the Foundation, David has been working in international development and journalism for over two decades. He started with Winrock International in Asia and later worked as a writer for print, television and online publications including Smithsonian, National Geographic, The Washington Post and Forbes Asia. He has worked with the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, and has taught at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, Maryland. David was a 2011 Fellow with the International Reporting Project, covering global health in West Africa for magazines including Science and Microbe. He has a Bachelor’s degree in English from Davidson College.
 

Resource Development Staff

Jennifer Graham, Resource Development Officer

Jennifer Graham is a Resource Development Officer at the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. She joined the Foundation in June 2010 and specializes in fundraising, event planning and coordinating Foundation volunteer teams throughout the U.S.

Prior to working at the Foundation, Jennifer worked in both corporate and non-profit organizations with such positions as communications/events manager and assistant director of development. She has received a Certificate of Appreciate from the Governor of Virginia for her work with the Department for the Aging and several Star Awards for Services Rendered while working as a civilian contractor for the US Army. When she is not working, Jennifer provides pro bono work in fundraising for a local women’s homeless shelter as well as instructs art classes for the residents and their children. Jennifer earned her degree in Business Management at Walnut Hill, Philadelphia Restaurant School.

Justine Feighery, Resource Development Assistant

Justine Feighery is the Resource Development Assistant at the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. She assists with volunteer and events management for ParntershipsInAction events across the U.S.A.

Justine received her Master’s degree in Public Policy from George Washington University.