US Board Chair Mark Thompson to assume new role effective immediately

Opportunity International Global Board Chair Carly Fiorina today formally announced her U.S. Presidential candidacy. As a result, she is resigning from Opportunity’s Global Board.

“Opportunity is unique among nonprofits for their businesslike approach and sustainable client impact,” Fiorina said. “It has been my privilege to serve as their first Global Board Chair. They are in good hands with the many fine global leaders who serve on their Board and their strong management team led by Global CEO Vicki Escarra.”

Mark Thompson will assume the role of Global Board Chair, effective immediately.

“We are very grateful to Carly for her leadership, support and friendship,” said Opportunity International Global CEO Vicki Escarra. “We are particularly pleased she considers Opportunity an important part of what has shaped her perspectives on unlocking potential and changing lives.”

Opportunity International is a global nonprofit organization that helps people in developing nations break the cycle of poverty, transform their lives, strengthen their families and improve their communities. The organization provides loans, savings accounts, insurance and business training to nearly 12 million clients in 27 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe with a goal of creating 20 million jobs by 2020. Clients use these financial services and training to expand businesses, provide for their families, create jobs and build a safety net for the future. Opportunity International pioneered microfinance lending in 1971 and has since provided more than 30 million loans valued at nearly $9 billion.

Incoming Global Board Chair Mark Thompson is a long-time Opportunity leader and the founder and chair of the investment firm Riverbridge Partners, based in Minneapolis. “I am proud to continue my service to Opportunity, to champion our clients’ potential to fulfill lives of dignity and purpose; and to step into the global Board role that our colleague Carly Fiorina vacates for her calling to pursue her own life’s potential.”