Meet the Candidates

Kenneth Syring
(RPCV Mongolia, 2006–2008)
San Francisco, CA
LinkedIn Profile

As an RPCV who served in Mongolia (2006–2008), I’ve seen firsthand how national service fundamentally transforms both the volunteers who serve and the communities they work alongside. I believe deeply that national service can build the bridges we need to counter the polarization we’re experiencing across the United States. In my career—ranging from advocacy campaigns on Capitol Hill to cross-sector initiatives in government—I’ve focused on creating new pathways for service because I view it as a cornerstone of a healthy democracy and an essential means of restoring trust in our public institutions.

Through my background in policymaking, bridge-building, and strategic collaboration, I want to expand NPCA’s reach by engaging our affiliates more deeply and forging new partnerships that champion the Peace Corps mission. The Peace Corps changed my life, and as someone committed to reducing divisions in our society, I’m eager to pay that forward by helping NPCA build a diverse, dynamic, and impactful community of Returned Volunteers.

Cai Thomas
(RPCV Mongolia, 2011-2014)
San Diego, CA
LinkedIn Profile

As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served in Mongolia from 2011 to 2014, I am deeply committed to service, inclusion, and global citizenship. After my service, I continued supporting the Peace Corps community through two years at Peace Corps headquarters and as Co-Director of Friends of Mongolia from 2015 to 2017. I spent six years at IREX, where I managed global education and youth development programs, and developed deep expertise in gender equity, social inclusion, and safeguarding. I led multi-country, U.S. government-funded initiatives, managed international teams, and partnered with local organizations to build inclusive and impactful programs. Beyond IREX, I co-founded an NGO that creates safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth and served on the Grant Making Panel for the International Trans Fund, advocating for global trans leadership. These experiences—grounded in equity, partnership, and advocacy—reflect my lifelong commitment to creating opportunity and inclusion. I would be honored to bring this lens to NPCA’s Board of Directors and help strengthen its role as a champion of service, diversity, and global engagement.

Kathryn Jacob
(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.

Keri M Lowry
(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.

Alex Kruzel
(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.

Scott Beale
(Associate Director Global Opps, 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.

Sarah Fuhrmann Thorwirth
(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.

Peter Dillon
(RPCV Marshall Islands, 1988-1990)
Stockbridge, MA
LinkedIn Profile

My Peace Corps service in the Marshall Islands and time as a Peace Corps Fellow at Teachers College, Columbia University laid the foundation for a life of service and education. I currently serve as a superintendent in rural Massachusetts and have previously worked in New York City as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and executive director of policy.

I regularly draw on lessons from my time in the Peace Corps—teaching, supporting teachers, building a hut, fishing, and making water seal toilets with my community. I value listening deeply, building strong relationships, and encouraging community-driven support. The Peace Corps changed my life, as it has for so many others.

If elected, I will work to ensure the Peace Corps remains strong and relevant, meaningfully engages RPCVs, and continues to promote service and intercultural understanding.

I hold a doctorate in curriculum and teaching and an M.A. in TESOL from Teachers College, an Ed.M. in international education from Harvard, and an A.B. in history and religion from Bowdoin. I live in Stockbridge, MA with my wife (an RPCV), our three grown children, and our dog, Ted.

Cassie Cairns
(RPCV Ukraine 2011-2013)
Louisville, KY
LinkedIn Profile

I want to do whatever possible right now to save whatever possible. I’ve realized recently my legacy will be the work, the impact I leave behind. So I’m all in.

My profession is a grant writer for my non profit supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I also lead our advocacy work, local, state and federal levels, on behalf of our individuals and our organization.

Ricky Ferrari Traner
(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.

Karen Chaput
(PCHQ, 2005-2012)
Portland, Oregon
LinkedIn Profile

With over 30 years of experience in communications and media, I’m eager to contribute my expertise to support and amplify NPCA’s mission.

Throughout my career, my favorite role was Video Production Manager at Peace Corps Headquarters (2005–2012), where I documented the inspiring work of Volunteers around the world. As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, I interviewed Returned Peace Corps Volunteers from nearly every Peace Corps country—an experience that deepened my appreciation for Peace Corp’s long-term, global impact.

Although I’m not a Returned Volunteer, I spent two years volunteering with an environmental NGO in Papua New Guinea. I’ve also held communications roles at the White House Communications Agency and the Library of Congress. Currently, I serve as Director of Communications at Central City Concern, a nonprofit in Portland, Oregon providing housing,
healthcare, and employment services for people in recovery.

If selected to join the Board, I would be honored to share my skills in social impact storytelling and strategic communications to advance NPCA’s goals and celebrate the legacy and ongoing work of the Peace Corps community.

Alyssa Wolf
(RPCV Mongolia, 2010-2012)
St. Louis, MO
LinkedIn Profile

Serving in the Peace Corps was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It gave me the gift of cultural engagement, lifelong friendships with fellow Volunteers and host country nationals, and even introduced me to my husband. The sense of global community, purpose, and connection I felt during those two years continues to guide me today.

Professionally, I bring over 13 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, with deep expertise in fundraising and organizational leadership. From early work in event-based fundraising to now leading a team of major gift officers raising over $6 million annually, I understand how to build and sustain mission-driven strategies through donor engagement and strong leadership.

I’m motivated to serve on the NPCA Board because I believe in the power of the Peace Corps network to create lasting change beyond service. I hope to contribute my nonprofit experience, fundraising leadership, and deep commitment to equity and global engagement to help NPCA grow its impact for returned Volunteers and the communities we care about.