Our Story
served
served
projects
Stats are from 2021
Our Purpose
To serve humanity so all may live as God intended.
Our Motto
Justice. Compassion. Love.
Who We Are
We are the global humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church—part of the 21.9-million strong Adventist community, with hundreds of thousands of churches globally and the world’s largest integrated healthcare and education network.
We deliver relief and development assistance to individuals in more than 120 countries—regardless of their ethnicity, political affiliation, gender, or religious association.
By partnering with local communities, organizations, and governments, we are able to deliver culturally relevant programs and build local capability for sustainable change.
Where We Work
Our work touches millions of lives in more than 120 countries around the world. Our on-the-ground approach allows immediate assistance in times of crisis and true partnership with the communities we serve.
Our Leadership
President
PAULO LOPES
Paulo Lopes was appointed President of ADRA International after three decades of service with the agency.
Lopes brings extensive humanitarian experience from a career spanning multiple countries at both field level and in global leadership, most recently serving as Regional Director of ADRA South America. He has been instrumental in expanding ADRA’s impact worldwide, particularly through his role in the development of a new strategic framework for the organization’s 118 network offices.
Lopes is dedicated to empowering communities, embracing innovation, and creating opportunities for all to reach their God-given potential. Under his leadership, ADRA moves into a new chapter focused on faith and continuing to serve with justice, compassion, and love.
Lopes has been married to his wife, Edra, for almost 40 years, and the couple have two adult sons, Lucas and Marcos.
VP For People & Excellence
KOREY DOWLING
Korey Dowling has served as ADRA’s Vice President for People & Excellence after serving the South Pacific Division in human resources management and recruitment. He provided HR advice to ADRA operations in the South Pacific and served on the ADRA board in Australia before accepting his current role. Dowling commenced his HR career in the United Kingdom in talent management before returning to Australia to work in training and development before joining the South Pacific Division head office in HR. Dowling has qualifications in business, human resource management, and training and development.
VP For Strategic Operations & Growth
MATTHEW SILIGA
As the Vice President for Strategic Operations and Growth, Matthew Siliga leads ADRA in developing new strategies to keep ADRA at the cutting edge of the humanitarian industry. Siliga joined ADRA’s leadership team as the Vice President of Marketing and Development after a decade of service as Director for Marketing and Public Relations for the ADRA office in Australia and CEO for ADRA in New Zealand. Prior to his work with ADRA, Siliga served the government of New Zealand as a communications and social marketing strategist, developing and managing multimedia campaigns. The New Zealand native and father is excited to share his talents and passions with the global ADRA community.
VP For Humanitarian Affairs
IMAD MADANAT
Imad Madanat was selected as Vice President for Humanitarian Affairs in October 2023, having served as the Vice President for Programs since 2013. The ADRA veteran has served the agency for more than a decade in various roles, including Senior Program Finance Manager and Country Finance Director in Yemen. Madanat’s wealth of experience includes program expansion into new countries and managing portfolios of innovative projects.
VP For Sustainable Development
SONYA FUNNA EVELYN
Sonya Funna Evelyn has served as ADRA’s Senior Director for Programs and Innovation since 2016, helping define the vision and direction for ADRA International, as well as managing and mentoring a diverse team of more than 30 technical, business development, and program learning experts. In addition, Ms. Funna Evelyn has helped develop partnerships with corporations, government agencies, academic institutions, and foundations, and is a key representative of ADRA to donors, partners, and other stakeholders. She is also the chair of ADRA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee to ensure policies align with reality.
VP For Finance
CHARNÉ RENOU
As the new Vice President for Finance at ADRA, Charné Renou brings significant finance and leadership experience. Before joining ADRA, she most recently served as the People Lead Manager for the Audit Department at KPMG, a global network of professional firms that provides audit, tax, and advisory services. Prior to KPMG, Ranou worked for PwC in both Stellenbosch and Cape Town, South Africa, in accounting and audit roles. Ms. Renou holds professional membership with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.
VP For Marketing & Development
DERRIS KRAUSE
Derris Krause’s career with ADRA first began in 1987. He held several positions within the agency, beginning as Volunteer and Fundraising Assistant Director and ending as Director for Major and Planned Gifts. He returned to ADRA in 2022 as Senior Director for Development. In 2023, he accepted the request to serve as the Vice President for Marketing and Development.
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