Haddis Tadesse

Haddis Tadesse leads a team that manages programs and builds diplomatic relations with key partners and stakeholders across the region, including governments, African Union and UN officials, donors, private sector decision-makers, NGOs and members of the press. In addition, his team works across the foundation’s investments in Ethiopia, including agricultural development, health, financial services, water and sanitation, nutrition, and emergency relief.

Haddis joined the foundation in 2007 where he managed African government relations. In 2012, he relocated to Ethiopia to establish the foundation’s office in Addis Ababa. Prior to joining the foundation, Haddis was a senior policy advisor to Greg Nickels, mayor of Seattle, Washington, where he advised on citywide policies for human services, public health, housing, and civil rights. He also led outreach to immigrants and refugees, and implemented several new initiatives to support these communities.

A United States citizen of Ethiopian origin, Haddis lived and worked in the U.S. for nearly 25 years. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington. He serves on a number of boards and has held several fellowships, including at the German Marshall Fund of the United States and the European Union.