National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) announced today that Carla Brown has been selected as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026.
The NPCA Board of Directors confirmed Brown’s appointment after a rigorous four-month selection process that engaged the Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) community and affirmed the association’s commitment to openness, equity, and transparency. She will succeed Dan Baker, who has served as NPCA’s President and CEO since 2022, and is departing the role at the end of the year. Said NPCA Board Chair, John Lee Evans:
“I am pleased that the Board of Directors has named Carla Brown as NPCA’s next President and CEO after a rigorous selection process. She will carry on the work of Dan Baker whose leadership over the past three years has put NPCA on a positive trajectory. Besides being a dedicated RPCV, Carla has a wealth of experience as a strategic planner and manager at Catholic Relief Services in Africa. She has been an NPCA leader for three years, first as a Board Director and more recently as Vice President. Carla’s style and presence make her an inspirational leader and I look forward to working with her in her new role.”
A Career of Service and Global Leadership
Carla Brown served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Comoros Islands from 1992 to 1994, teaching English to high school students and aviation professionals and supporting maternal and child health projects. Her service sparked a 25-year career in international development, much of it spent living and working in sub-Saharan Africa.
She has held senior leadership positions with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), including Senior Advisor and Country Representative, and with the Catholic Medical Mission Board as Head of Programs. Carla has managed development and humanitarian portfolios with annual budgets of up to $20 million and teams of up to 145 staff, overseeing initiatives in education, health, agriculture, microfinance, water and sanitation, justice, and humanitarian relief. She was instrumental in securing one of CRS’s first Global Fund grants, which expanded the organization’s malaria prevention program.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Carla has been an active NPCA leader, serving as a member of the Board of Directors and most recently as Vice President. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and master’s degrees in International Affairs and Public Health from Columbia University. She is fluent in English and French. Read her bio here.
Selection Process
The Board launched the CEO search in June 2025 following Baker’s announcement of his planned departure. To ensure a broad and equitable competition, the position was shared with NPCA’s 80,000-strong membership network of RPCVs and supporters. An independent HR consultant conducted an initial review of applications, followed by structured interviews with a diverse three-member panel of NPCA directors. After thorough deliberation, the panel’s unanimous recommendation was confirmed by a full Board vote in September.
This transparent, community-based process reflects NPCA’s commitment to openness and equity in its governance, while ensuring that the association remains in strong and experienced hands.
Dan Baker and Carla Brown begin passing the torch at dinner.
Looking Ahead
Carla will assume leadership of NPCA on January 1, 2026, ushering in a new chapter for the association. With her deep international experience, proven leadership, and lifelong commitment to service, she is poised to build on Dan’s legacy and advance NPCA’s mission to champion and support the Peace Corps community.
On September 26, 2025, Carla Brown was announced as NPCA’s new President and CEO at CHICAGO CONNECT,
an in-person gathering hosted by the Chicago Area Peace Corps Association (CAPCA).