Meet the Executive Office
Dr. Badi Foster
President
In November of 2000, Dr. Badi Foster joined Phelps Stokes as the organization’s fifth president. In his professional, personal and spiritual lives, Dr. Foster embodies the principles and values that guide our work.In November of 2000, Dr. Badi Foster joined Phelps Stokes as the organization’s fifth president. In his professional, personal and spiritual lives, Dr. Foster embodies the principles and values that guide our work. As an educator and innovator, he has dedicated himself to helping underserved people in Africa and the Americas and has been a pioneer in promoting equality and unity among diverse ethnic and racial groups, while underscoring the importance of education for all men and women. Dr. Foster’s dedication to the people and communities of Africa and the Americas stems from his life experiences in both parts of the world. (Read more)
Jim Coffin
Acting Vice President for Programs and Global Strategy/Director of Development and Communications
Jim Coffin serves as the Acting Vice President of Phelps Stokes during the period of Governor Murillo’s sabbatical. Mr. Coffin is also Phelps Stokes’ Director of Development and Communications. Mr. Coffin has more than a quarter-century of combined experience as an attorney and businessman. Mr. Coffin holds a B.A. and M.S from Cornell University, an MBA in Finance from Syracuse University and a JD from Catholic University. You may contact Mr. Coffin at jcoffin@phelpsstokes.org.
Executive Support Team
Idil Samantar
Manager, Human Resources & Board Relations
Idil Samantar joined Phelps Stokes in April 2009 as the Executive Assistant to the President and Board Relations. In 2011, Ms. Samantar assumed additional responsibilities in her new position as Manager of Human Resources and Board Relations. Prior to joining Phelps Stokes and over the course of 7 years, Ms. Samantar held a few positions in the Human Resources and Disaster Operations departments at the National Headquarters of the American Red Cross. Ms. Samantar brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector with a focus on humanitarian services for underserved and marginalized communities. After graduating from high school, Ms. Samantar chose to complete her studies abroad where she concluded her undergraduate studies in psychology at Leyton Sixth Form College, in London and completed her post grad studies focusing on business administration management at De Montfort University, in Leicester. Along with her studies in the UK, Ms. Samantar has had the opportunity to travel personally and for business to over 12 countries around the globe. As a personal interest in developing outreach programs for new immigrants, Ms. Samantar currently serves as an Independent Goodwill Correspondent for East African community members in Northern Virginia. You may contact Idil Samantar at isamantar@phelpsstokes.org.
Brandon Pinzini
Senior Finance Officer, Department of Finance
Brandon Pinzini serves as Phelps Stokes’ Senior Financial Officer. Mr. Pinzini was formerly Program Associate at Meridian International Center working on the International Visitor Leadership Program with the U.S. Department of State. Mr. Pinzini earned his B.A. from the Pennsylvania State University and an MBA in International Business from Temple University. You may contact Mr. Pinzini at bpinzini@phelpsstokes.org.
