Helene Gayle Reflects On Time As CARE CEO
For seven decades, the international organization CARE has had one core task, and that’s to help others.
CARE, which is based in Atlanta, undertakes various humanitarian aid projects but fighting global poverty has been its No. 1 mission. It’s one of the oldest and largest aid organizations, and works in 90 countries around the world. Its programs reach more than 72 million people.
For the last nine years, Dr. Helene Gayle has lead the organization as its president and CEO.
Effective June 30, 2015, Dr. Gayle will leave her post and join the McKinsey Social Initiative (MSI) as its inaugural CEO.
On her visit to “A Closer Look,” Dr. Gayle talked about her initial goals for the organization and assessed how they were met.
CARE’s global commitment to ending poverty is matched by enhanced initiatives and programs to empowering women and girls.
Gayle said the focus on girls and women was an evolution for CARE.
“It was very clear that if you can invest in girls and women you really have a huge opportunity for creating long lasting change.”
Operating CARE, although a nonprofit, still requires a conglomerate mindset, Gayle said.
In addition, CARE must stay out of political battles and carefully tread on governmental policies of the countries it seeks to serve.
Gayle said weathering the financial storm, caused by the Great Recession, wasn’t easy and admitted CARE had to make tough adjustments in staffing.
In 2013, WABE’s Rose Scott visited Amman, Jordan and reported on Syrian refugees seeking assistance through CARE. The two part series featured Dr. Helene Gayle and CARE officials.
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