Dear RAIN Supporters, Partners and Friends,

I am writing to share the news that RAIN’s Executive Director, Katherine Kolios, will soon be leaving to pursue a graduate degree. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Katherine’s belief in RAIN’s mission and commitment to growing its reach and impact inspired supporters, staff and board members alike.  

We celebrate Katherine’s many accomplishments, including helping more girls continue their education and helping more women generate income for their families. Katherine’s steady leadership has been indispensable through the Covid-19 pandemic, insecurity and other challenges. While we’re sad to see her go and wish her success in her future endeavors, we’re grateful for all she has done and know that she will always be a strong advocate for RAIN and the people it serves.

As the search for a new Executive Director will take some time, the Board has appointed John Davis to serve as interim Executive Director. John, a longtime RAIN supporter, joined RAIN’s board in 2022 and is the Board Secretary. He has extensive non-profit leadership experience in West Africa including senior management roles at Mercy Corps, Helen Keller International, and CARE. We are fortunate that someone with John’s experience has agreed to take the reins at this pivotal time. John and Katherine will work together during the month of June to ensure a smooth handover.

We will launch a formal search for a new Executive Director shortly. I welcome your input on the qualities you think are important for the next ED as well as your help in spreading the word and leveraging your networks to find the right person to take RAIN forward. I will keep you informed of our progress and am happy to respond to questions or concerns you may have.

I hope many of you will join us at our RAIN Dance event on June 12^th  in New Castle to honor longtime supporter John Ahlgren. This will also be a unique opportunity to recognize and thank Katherine for her dynamic leadership and welcome John Davis in his new role.

With gratitude and excitement for RAIN’s future,

Susan Fine

Board Chair

Rain for the Sahel and Sahara

Dear RAIN Friends,

Serving as RAIN’s Executive Director has been the highlight of my career. Since my first day (which involved unexpectedly flying to Niger alone!), I have taken the responsibilities of this role to heart. This is not just a job, it is a profound commitment to RAIN’s mission, my Nigerien colleagues, the communities we serve, and to all of you who trust and invest in this work.

I could not have imagined what these last eight years would entail, and I could never have done it without you. Thank you for giving me this opportunity and for traveling this journey by my side.

I am proud of all we have done together – the team we have built, the programs we have grown and launched, the storms we have weather with resilience, and the dreams we have inspired.

While it is hard to imagine leaving this role, I am not abandoning RAIN's mission. I am consoled knowing the organization is in the capable hands of Board Chair Susan Fine, Interim Executive Director John Davis, and our leadership team in Niger, including Harouna Bilou, Salifou Kountche, and Azara Touma-Touma Ibrahim. And, of course, that you will continue to stand with us.

With gratitude and hope for the future of RAIN and our partner communities,

Katherine Kolios

Executive Director

Rain for the Sahel and Sahara

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