Washington, DC,  USA — May 1, 2023 – The European GOPA Consulting Group announced this week the appointment of Aleta Williams as its new Managing Director of GOPA Group US. Williams will lead the Group’s efforts to expand its work in the U.S. market, and deliver on its commitment to achieving sustainable results.   

Williams is a values-driven leader and brings more than 25 years of international development experience to GOPA US, including extensive expertise working with the US government. She was a lead advisor on two Presidential White House initiatives on education, and held leadership positions with GRM International (Now Palladium Consulting) and more recently FHI 360 — two major USAID implementing contractors. Her expertise in building partnerships, combined with her passion for driving results, will enable GOPA US to expand its impact and reach new heights.

 “GOPA Group has been a trusted partner to the Millennium Challenge Corporation for more than 10 years and I am keen to continue to bring value and expand our work with the US government, in particular, USAID,” said Williams. “I am especially excited to bring new energy and fresh thinking into the market so that we can successfully  meet today’s unprecedented development challenges. “

Over the past six decades, the GOPA Group has emerged as a recognized leader in the area of development and sustainability. The private consulting group provides tested solutions to achieve locally-led sustainable development results. Foundational to its approach is the belief that sustainable impact is only possible when local actors identify their own development priorities and take the lead in addressing their identified development challenges.

 “From the very beginning, our entrepreneurial approach and vision to create impact have formed the backbone of the GOPA Group”, said GOPA Group CEO Dr. Martin Güldner. “Aleta is a transformative leader with a proven track record of getting results in both the private and nonprofit sectors. She has exceptional strategic capabilities, sets a clear vison and direction and knows how to bring people along. She has the experience and skills  to guide our organization forward. We look forward to Aleta realizing the full potential of GOPA US as a valued partner that delivers long term value to our stakeholders.”

Before joining GOPA US, Williams served as Director of Global Business Development at FHI 360 where she transformed the nonprofit’s business development model, enabling it to significantly grow its portfolio and sales.  During her tenure, she also led FHI 360’s entry into the UK market, managing an acquisition and establishment of a UK subsidiary.

Williams is a staunch advocate for women and girls education and empowerment. She serves as Chair of the Board of the Batonga Foundation, founded by Angélique Kidjo in 2006 with the purpose of transforming the most vulnerable adolescent girls in Africa into powerful women.  She also serves as a board member for UNICEF USA, mid-Atlantic. 

“I am delighted to lead GOPA US through this next phase.  GOPA Group is a business with an impressive global footprint, a strong technical portfolio, a talented team and a strong reputation as a leader in sustainability, “ said Williams. “I will be intentional not only about what we do, but how we do our work as we move forward.”