Staff Biographies

Keith Brown
Executive Vice President, Africa Programs

Keith Brown is a veteran international development manager who is leading the Institute’s efforts to ensure a healthy future for Africa’s great apes.

He combines 30-plus years of experience in Africa and in Washington to oversee the Institute’s Africa programs, which include the renowned chimpanzee research station at Gombe National Park in Tanzania, community-centered conservation programs in eastern and central Africa, Africa’s largest sanctuary for orphaned chimpanzees (Republic of Congo), and awareness and outreach in Guinea and Sierra Leone.

He can speak about many issues related to conservation and development in Africa, including "what works” in conservation, women and development, micro-credit, the bushmeat trade, the status of wild chimpanzees and other great ape species.

He joined the Institute in 2004 as a 29-year veteran of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). He held the highest career rank in the Foreign Service and served as USAID's Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for Africa, guiding a $1.5 billion operation with a Washington and overseas staff of 2,000.

To inquire about engaging Mr. Brown as a speaker, please Contact Nona Gandelman.