Leadership

Who We Are

Our commitment to empowering refugee and immigrant leaders makes us unique.

In 1991, ECDC became the first ethnic community-based organization to be authorized by the Department of State to resettle refugees through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. We specifically aim to employ and partner with individuals who have a passion for assisting refugees and immigrants due to their personal background and experience. Our staff are diverse, experienced, and committed to upholding our values.

National Management Team

Tsehaye Teferra, Ph.D.

President & CEO

Allene F. Wright

Vice President

Azeb Tadesse

Director of Finance

Anam Gnaho

Director of Refugee Resettlement and Integration

Olivia Wargowsky

Associate Director of Reception and Placement

Kathryn Culhane

Associate Director of Community Integration Programs

Elisabeth A. Benfield

Community Engagement and Sponsorship Manager

Wossen Hailu

IT Manager

Firehiwot Araya, Ph.D.

Executive Coordinator

Branch Office Directors

Sarah Zullo

Director
African Community Center - DC Metro

Milan Devetak

Director
African Community Center - Las Vegas

Ron Buzzard

Director
African Community Center - Denver

Joe Wiah

Director
Multicultural Community Center - Brattleboro

Adam VanNoord

Director
Multicultural Community Center - Wausau

Board of Directors

  • Gebre-Selassie Gebre-Mariam Chairman
  • Henning W. Leidecker, Jr., Ph.D. Vice Chairman
  • Bereket Woldu Member
  • Ferede Workneh Member
  • Yemane W. Yohannes Member
  • Tsehaye Teferra, Ph.D. President
  • Allene F. Wright Secretary

Join Our Team

Our staff are connected by a shared desire to make a difference in the lives of newcomers and create more inclusive communities.

If this resonates with you, take a look at our current job opportunities at the national or local level. Apply today if one matches your background and interests.

View Open Positions