Pia Rice Wanek Joins Project HOPE as Vice President of Programs & Operations

Project HOPE is pleased to announce that Pia Rice Wanek has joined the organization as Vice President of Programs and Operations where she will oversee Project HOPE’s global health and humanitarian programs, including the emergency response unit and global supply chain and security team. Wanek brings more than two decades of experience in international development and humanitarian response.

“We are thrilled to welcome Pia to Project HOPE’s leadership team where she brings an impressive track record of fostering and managing mission-driven growth, with a focus on impact, innovation, efficiencies, and people and culture,” said Chris Skopec, Project HOPE’s President. “Pia has successfully led nonprofit organizations and teams through periods of growth, change, and crisis in some of the world’s most challenging environments and her leadership will be instrumental in ensuring Project HOPE can effectively scale its impact, deepen partnerships, and advance its mission.”

Throughout her career, Wanek has worked across government and nonprofit sectors to strengthen humanitarian response, international development programs, and organization effectiveness, including roles with the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of State, Global Communities, and World Vision.

“I am excited to join Project HOPE and support its inspiring mission of placing power in the hands of local health workers to save lives across the globe,” said Wanek. “Project HOPE’s commitment to this work is admirable, and I look forward to leading global programs and operations as we continue to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of the communities we serve.”

Most recently, Wanek served as Founder and CEO of EmpowerAid Consulting, where she advised senior leaders across global companies and nonprofit organizations on navigating complex challenges in disaster response and recovery, shifts in the international development landscape, and organizational change. Prior to launching her consultancy, she served as CEO of the DT Institute, leading the organization through a period of strategic repositioning and operational reorganization.

Wanek holds a BA in International Studies and Anthropology from Colby College and an MSc from the London School of Economics.