Today, we announce that Gaby Mandell, CISV International’s Secretary General, will be finishing a 20-year-term and stepping down on March 31, 2021. 

Gaby has been a central part of the ongoing development and change of CISV International. She helped lead several foundational initiatives for CISV including an organizational rebranding, the organizational review, and more recently the programme review. She helped evolve the International Office into a professional source of support for the organization, far beyond an administrative back office.     

Gaby and the Board began mutually discussing succession planning in 2019.  With the unprecedented Covid-19 situation this year, it was necessary to find a balance between providing stability in a time of uncertainty and still continuing forward-looking change. 

Recently, the Board and Gaby revisited the succession plans, and agreed that with a new strategic plan on the horizon and the revised work plan, early 2021 would be the most appropriate time – for both CISV International and Gaby – to bring in a new Secretary General.  

To ensure a smooth transition, Gaby will continue to serve until the end of March 31, 2021. CISV International will soon be launching a recruiting process for the role. 

We cannot thank Gaby enough for her passionate and dedicated service to CISV for the past 20 years.  She will be greatly missed across the CISV family and will leave big shoes to fill. Luckily, this is not yet farewell and we are certain Gaby will continue bringing positive impact over the next 7 months.