I had the privilege of working under the direct supervision of Val on a USAID project in a conflict setting, where his leadership and mentorship made a lasting impact on me. He consistently prioritized staff safety and well-being, creating a secure and supportive environment for the team.
Val was always approachable and truly listened. He encouraged a culture of empathy and respect, especially important given the sensitivity of our work. As someone working in Finance and Admin, I always felt supported, he gave us space to grow, trusted us to take ownership of our roles, and never micromanaged.
What sets Val apart is his rare blend of technical excellence and strong leadership. He’s highly skilled in research, data analytics, and facilitation, while also being an experienced and thoughtful manager. That kind of balance is hard to find. Thanks to his guidance, I grew both professionally and personally. If I ever get the chance to work with him again, I would say yes without hesitation. With Val leading, I’d follow even through the darkest tunnel.

I had the privilege of working under the direct supervision of Val on a USAID project in a conflict setting, where his leadership and mentorship made a lasting impact on me. He consistently prioritized staff safety and well-being, creating a secure and supportive environment for the team. Val was always approachable and truly listened. He encouraged a culture of empathy and respect, especially important given the sensitivity of our work. As someone working in Finance and Admin, I always felt supported, he gave us space to grow, trusted us to take ownership of our roles, and never micromanaged. What sets Val apart is his rare blend of technical excellence and strong leadership. He’s highly skilled in research, data analytics, and facilitation, while also being an experienced and thoughtful manager. That kind of balance is hard to find. Thanks to his guidance, I grew both professionally and personally. If I ever get the chance to work with him again, I would say yes without hesitation. With Val leading, I’d follow even through the darkest tunnel.