CFK Africa has announced key leadership appointments to advance its mission and strategy. Jeffrey Okoro has been named the organisation’s first chief executive officer, and Beth-Ann Kutchma has been named executive director. Additionally, CFK Africa has also appointed Nelia Verano as director of philanthropy.
These strategic roles come at a pivotal moment for CFK Africa as the organization enters its 25th year of service delivery in Kenya and launches a groundbreaking youth development and public health network across Africa, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development, youth leadership, and locally driven solutions.
CFK Africa’s long-held belief in local leadership is embodied by Okoro, who grew up in Kibera, one of the largest informal settlements in the world. Okoro first joined CFK as a youth leader following the post-election violence in 2009.
He has since steadily risen through the ranks, most recently serving as executive director since 2023, before taking on his new role as chief executive officer.
“As a resident of Kibera, I saw firsthand how CFK’s programs helped young people learn to find jobs, stay healthy, and become leaders in their community,” said Okoro. “I’m honored to serve as our first CEO and ready to support the next generation.”
The organization’s U.S. office is now led by Kutchma, who has been with the organization since 2011, first serving three terms on the board of directors.
In 2012, she produced the award-winning documentary Without a Fight highlighting soccer’s role in creating social change in Kibera, and co-authored Harvard’s first multimedia business school teaching case showcasing CFK’s model of participatory development and organizational leadership.
For the past four years, she served as director of strategic partnerships, connecting academic institutions, foundations, donors, and corporations with the needs of slum communities across Kenya and building a unified organization rooted in local impact.
To further advance its growth, CFK Africa appointed Verano as its first director of philanthropy. Verano brings over two decades of fundraising leadership experience to expand voice, agency, and opportunity to those who need it most.
“These promotions reaffirm CFK’s mission to empower youth in African slums through innovative programs, public health, and sustainable growth,” said board chair and co-founder Rye Barcott.
“As we head into our 25th anniversary year, this team will guide us into a new era and position us for another successful 25 years. We’re excited for the new heights their leadership will take CFK Africa,” concluded Barcott.
