Faye Haselkorn

About Faye Haselkorn

With more than two decades of experience leading complex public-service and international development initiatives, I focus on delivering lasting, community-centered impact—strengthening institutions, expanding opportunity, and improving lives in my home of California and beyond.I bring deep expertise in managing multi-million-dollar programs, building partnerships, and advancing democratic governance, equity, and civic participation in challenging environments. I translate policy into action by collaborating closely with government agencies, nonprofits, foundations, and community stakeholders to achieve measurable results.My work spans strategic planning, program design and evaluation, donor and grant management, public engagement, and risk-informed operations, including digital security and complex stakeholder coordination. I am particularly effective at strengthening organizations, aligning resources with mission-driven goals, and ensuring accountability and impact.I bring a collaborative leadership style, excel at mentoring teams, and am motivated to apply my global experience to local government, nonprofit, and philanthropic roles—supporting resilient communities, inclusive systems, and sustainable change.

Experience

1. Foreign Service Officer, Democracy Rights and Governance

   USAID

   Jan 2017 — Present

   Nicaragua (20••••25): Oversaw $41M Democracy, Rights and Governance portfolio. Developed digital security protocols and led strategic planning in authoritarian settings. Strengthened pro-democracy coalitions and supported exiled media and human rights organizations. Organized private meetings and roundtables with democratic leaders and civil leaders. Coordinated communications and diplomatic alignment with like-minded diplomatic missions.Uzbekistan (20••••24): Led Democracy and Governance Office $36 million program portfolio. Brokered decentralization Memorandum of Understanding with host government and launched interfaith dialogue initiatives. Negotiated donor partnerships and briefed U.S. officials on religious tolerance, justice sector reforms and civic space. Forged partnerships for rule of law reforms to implement judicial training programs, protect victims of gender-based violence and provide legal assistance to vulnerable populations. Led donor coordination and supported Ambassadorial public engagements. Authored briefing memos and social media content.Kenya (20••••21): Directed a $100 million portfolio of programs and strategies on electoral integrity, decentralization, conflict prevention, local development and countering violent extremism. Supported political economy analyses and launched a public-private partnership to promote local philanthropy. Led Embassy briefings and coordination.

Education

• UC San Diego

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Urban Studies/Affairs

• UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs

  MA, Urban Planning

  1987 — 1989

• UC San Diego

  BA, Urban Studies

  1982 — 1986

• UC San Diego

  Bachelor's degree, Urban Studies/Affairs