The Ten Thousand Villages USA Board Chair announced today the following:
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Ten Thousand Villages in the United States, I am pleased to announce that Doug Dirks has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer at Ten Thousand Villages effective Monday, April 2, 2012. Doug brings over 25 years of experience in international relations, fair trade and senior leadership at Ten Thousand Villages. Doug is a dedicated leader with excellent communication skills, financial acumen, a thoughtful spirit and strong faith.
Doug began his career in auditing for both Arthur Andersen and the Government of British Columbia, and then completed a three-year voluntary service assignment with MCC in 1982 as a Job Creation Administrator in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In this role, Doug assisted business development initiatives to employ those in need. His efforts in Dhaka are still evident today as these start-up businesses continue successful operations with exports to Ten Thousand Villages in the US and Canada.
Doug joined Self Help Crafts in 1985 and served in various roles including Marketing Director and Producer Relations Director. In 1996 Doug and his family returned to Canada where he held the position of Executive Director for Ten Thousand Villages Canada.
In 2002, Doug rejoined Ten Thousand Villages in the US and has served in several capacities, most recently in Public Relations. Doug has actively participated in artisan relations, educational and media engagements, marketing and sales strategies, led learning tours and represented Ten Thousand Villages to the broader fair trade movement. Doug has served on the board of directors for the Fair Trade Federation and is also the current regional representative for the World Fair Trade Organization.
Doug has a degree in Accounting from the University of British Columbia and a certificate in Bible Studies from Columbia Bible Institute. Doug is married to Joanne Dirks, general manager of the Ten Thousand Villages Ephrata store. Doug and Joanne reside in Lancaster, PA, have three adult children and are active members of Akron Mennonite Church.
Please join me in welcoming Doug to his new role as CEO of Ten Thousand Villages.
Alex Hartzler, Chair of the Board, Ten Thousand Villages
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