Michael Watt

About Michael Watt

I\'m an executive with 30+ years in the non-profit sector. I have led programs and operations for large NGOs, overseen grant making and awards to civil society organizations and local non-profits, mobilized resources from diverse donors, developed strategies, managed transformational change, formulated policies, overseen financial and human resources, introduced operational efficiencies, reduced risks, and overseen $100+ million annual budgets and donor-funded projects in conflict transformation, civil society strengthening, health, agriculture, livelihoods, climate change, and humanitarian assistance, across dozens of countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia and the Middle East.In particular, I have:* Led a department of 500+ staff and programs in 30 countries.* Ensured successful implementation of over $750 million in donor-funded projects over 10 years.* Developed and managed annual budgets of $100M+.* Overseen the awarding of grants and sub-grants to local organizations, including definition of selection criteria, capacity assessments of grant recipients, and promoting continuous learning and cross-fertilization among grant recipients* Promoted holistic regional and local development through targeted interventions in Priority Action Zones.* Ensured delivery of projects funded by bilateral, multilateral, and foundation donors.* Set strategic direction in collaboration with fellow executives and Board.* Managed structural and cultural change in wake of a Merger & Acquisition process.* Promoted innovation in programs and operations.* Overseen Senior Management Teams of 40+ staff.* Established annual growth targets for business development/resource mobilization.* Overseen global procurement, emergency operations, and staff safety & security functions.* Met revenue and spending targets and ensured compliance with donor regulations.* Managed enterprise risk registers.* Introduced Business Continuity Management System.* Reduced costs and increased efficiencies.* Spearheaded policies and guidelines on core business processes.* Co-designed and implemented project data information systems.* Championed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives.

Experience

1. Chief Impact and Operating Officer

   Maryland Food Bank

   Jan 2026 — Present

Education

• The Fletcher School at Tufts University

  Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy, Natural Resource Management; Food, Agriculture & Nutrition Policy

• Harvard University

  A.B., History and Literature

Skills

• Fundraising
• International Development
• International Relations
• Budgets
• Community Development
• Capacity Building
• Africa
• Humanitarian
• Policy Analysis
• Non-Profits
• Proposal Writing
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Policy
• Grants
• Ngos
• Humanitarian Assistance
• Public Policy
• Human Resources
• Government
• Nonprofits
• Program Evaluation
• Latin America
• Program Management
• Strategic Planning
• Staff Supervision
• Volunteer Management
• Food Security
• Managerial Finance
• Budgeting
• Program Development
• Management