Leadership

Executive Leaders

Sarah Bouchie

President and Chief Executive Officer

Sarah Bouchie became President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2024. In this role, she collaborates with Helen Keller Intl’s Board of Trustees, leadership team, and staff, along with partner organizations and global leaders, to advance Helen Keller’s mission around the world.

Shawn K. Baker, MPH

Executive Vice President, Programs and Partnerships

Shawn Baker leads Helen Keller’s efforts to support our world’s most vulnerable communities through strengthening food and health systems using scientifically proven solutions that are feasible, scalable, and equitable.

Fatoumata Diouf

Managing Director, Central and West Africa

As Managing Director, Central and West Africa, Fatoumata leads the development and execution of a vibrant pipeline of high-quality programs across Central and West Africa including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, DRC, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.

Peter Kariuki

Vice President, People and Culture

Peter Kariuki leads Helen Keller’s efforts to strengthen its global workforce and cultivate an inclusive, equitable workplace culture. With more than 20 years of experience in strategic human resources, Peter has built and led global human resources teams, managed organizational change, and advanced talent management strategies to enhance employee engagement and impact.

Susan Kotcher

Chief Growth and Branding Officer

Susan Kotcher is a seasoned senior leader, creative fundraising strategist, and external relations expert who has built, restructured, and led high-performing teams for major international and national nonprofits. Susan joined Helen Keller Intl in 2020 as Chief External Relations Officer and in 2025, became Chief Branding and Growth Officer, leading the organization’s flexible funding, visibility-raising, and US program strategies.

Lan Mercado

Managing Director, East and Southern Africa and Asia

Lan Mercado joined Helen Keller Intl in October 2025 and oversees country leadership, operations, income growth, and impact on improving people’s lives in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nepal, Philippines, and Tanzania. She also advocates, influences, and strengthens the organization's relationships with stakeholders.

Joyce Ngugi

Chief Financial and Operating Officer

Joyce Ngugi joined Helen Keller Intl in November 2025 and oversees the organization’s financial health and operational effectiveness, ensuring resources, systems, and talent are optimized to advance Helen Keller’s mission.