CD Glin steps down as US African Development Foundation’s president

C.D. Glin, the U.S. African Development Foundation( USADF) president and CEO who is avid supporter of the off-grid energy sector is leaving the organisation to join Pepsico as Vice President, Global Head of Philanthropy.

USADF is an independent U.S. government agency established by Congress to invest directly in African grassroots enterprises and social entrepreneurs in 21 countries throughout the Sahel, Great Lakes, and the Horn of Africa.

Under CD Glin, the offgrid sector in Nigeria received much of this support through several grants in various energy challenges.

During his tenure at USADF, Glin oversaw the distribution of more than $150 million to nearly 1,500 organizations, positively impacting over seven million lives.

He secured an annual 10 percent increase in the Agency’s Congressional budget appropriation and increased the operating budget year over year.

Through the new or renewed co-funding strategic partnerships with nine African governments, Glin signed agreements on behalf of USADF valued at $50.5 million through 2025.

He facilitated numerous public-private partnerships with corporations and foundations including, GE, Cargill, Mastercard, Citi Foundation, the National Basketball Players Association Foundation, Helmsley Charitable Trust, and All On, an impact investing company.

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In response to the global COVID- 19 pandemic, Glin spearheaded USADF’S continent- wide initiative to support 300+ grassroots enterprises and social entrepreneurs through provision of immediate relief, working capital, and business continuity funding via a newly established USADF C.A.R.E.S (Capital for African Resilience-building and Enterprises Support) program.

The USADF provides grant capital, capacity building assistance, and convening opportunities to develop, grow, and scale African enterprises and entrepreneurs who improve lives and livelihoods.

USADF invests in Africans and their ideas and solutions to address some of Africa’s biggest challenges around food insecurity, insufficient energy access, and unemployment, particularly among women and youth.

“When my fellow Board members and I appointed C.D. as President and CEO back in 2016, we charged him with three things: recruit a new, next generation leadership team, set the strategic direction for the agency while aligning our grassroots approach with Africa’s needs and U.S. government priorities; and establish and enhance partnerships with African Governments and the private sector to leverage additional resources.

At that time, no one could have predicted the unprecedented combination of domestic leadership and global health challenges we faced over the past four and a half years. Through it all, C.D. delivered, year after year. Today, USADF is stronger and more resilient, because of his leadership. We’ll miss C.D., but wish him well at Pepsico,” stated USADF Board Chair Jack Leslie.

USADF’S Board of Directors has named Elisabeth (Liz) Feleke, USADF’S Chief Program Officer, as Acting President and CEO effective May 17, 2021.

“Throughout the trials and triumphs of the past four and half years, I never wavered in my often-stated exclamation that I had the best job in Washington, DC. I woke up every day excited about the opportunity to create pathways to prosperity for underserved communities across Africa,” said Glin.

C. D. Glin was sworn in as the U. S. African Development Foundation’s 9th President on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at the U. S. African Development Foundation’s headquarters by Jack Leslie, USADF Board Chairman.

At Pepsico as Vice President, Global Head of Philanthropy, Glin will be responsible for the daily management of the Pepsico Foundation. He will also oversee the Foundation’s strategic direction and continued focus on driving progress towards a more sustainable food system. In addition, he will lead global internal and external engagement around The Pepsico Foundation’s three core pillars: Nutrition, Water, and Economic Resilience.