Ambassador Erin E. McKee Steps in as CEO of Nova Ukraine Focusing on Humanitarian Efforts

Ambassador Erin E. McKee Takes the Helm at Nova Ukraine

Nova Ukraine, a prominent humanitarian organization bridging the U.S. and Ukraine, has appointed Ambassador Erin E. McKee as its new Chief Executive Officer. This announcement comes at a critical time as the organization seeks to expand its efforts from immediate emergency response to long-term recovery and development in Ukraine. McKee joins Nova Ukraine with an impressive background in diplomacy and humanitarian work, having dedicated over twenty years to various leadership roles, most recently serving as the Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia at USAID.

During her tenure at USAID, McKee managed a staggering $30 billion in aid, making significant strides in support for Ukraine in the wake of geopolitical challenges, including Russia's re-invasion of the country. Her extensive experience overseeing large-scale humanitarian responses is expected to position Nova Ukraine for impactful growth as it navigates the complexities of post-war recovery and development.

Ambassador McKee expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "I am deeply honored to join the extraordinary Nova Ukraine family at this pivotal moment. Our mission is to empower the people of Ukraine in building a strong and flourishing nation with an engaged civil society. I aim to transform the current crisis into a catalyst for enduring partnership between Ukraine and America."

Mikola (Nick) Bilogorskiy, Chairman of Nova Ukraine, highlighted her exceptional qualifications, saying, "Ambassador McKee's proven track record in managing large-scale humanitarian operations and her deep understanding of the complexities in Ukraine make her the ideal leader for our next chapter."

Nova Ukraine's strategic framework under McKee's leadership will focus on four integrated pillars:
1. HEAL - Humanitarian response aimed at saving lives and ensuring the nation's long-term health.
2. BUILD - Initiatives geared towards infrastructure development and economic recovery.
3. EMPOWER - Empowering civil society, culture, education, and social mobility.
4. ADVOCATE - Engaging in policy advocacy and awareness-building efforts.

Founded in 2014, Nova Ukraine has successfully delivered over $130 million in humanitarian aid and has established itself as a trusted intermediary between the specific needs of Ukraine and American support. By maintaining operations both in the U.S. and Ukraine, the organization ensures deep community connections that foster effective partnerships.

Initially, McKee’s focus will be on enhancing stakeholder engagement and conducting a thorough operational review of Nova Ukraine's existing projects and missions. She approaches this task with what she calls the 'Festina Lente' approach – emphasizing the need to advance with urgency and care, ultimately supporting the organization's evolution as it strives to meet the ongoing needs of Ukraine.

As Nova Ukraine embarks on this new chapter under McKee’s guidance, the organization’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and raising awareness about Ukraine in the U.S. remains steadfast. For those interested in learning more about Nova Ukraine and its mission, additional information can be found at novaukraine.org.