MEDIA CONTACT:
Massimiliano Colonna
Director of Communications, Search for Common Ground
[email protected] I +1 202 768 7539
WASHINGTON DC, April 20, 2022 — Search for Common Ground (“Search”), the world’s largest peacebuilding organization, is thrilled to announce the appointment of opera singer Ryan McKinny to its President’s Leadership Council.
Recognized by Opera News as “one of the finest singers of his generation,” American bass-baritone Ryan McKinny has performed on the world’s greatest stages, including the Metropolitan Opera, Teatro Colón, Deutsche Oper Berlin, and many more. His relentless curiosity informs riveting character portrayals and beautifully crafted performances, reminding audiences of their shared humanity with characters on stage and screen.
“Search for Common Ground gives me hope for the future of humanity,” said McKinny. “I began volunteering for Search years ago because I believed in the organization’s potential to help build peace globally. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned through this work is that everyone in a conflict can – and should – be fully engaged as human beings. I’ve seen this powerful approach help build peace in my own family and community, and I’m deeply honored to support this essential work with the President’s Leadership Council.”
The President’s Leadership Council is an experienced group of thought leaders who advise Search for Common Ground’s Board of Directors, President, and the Executive Leadership Team. Appointed by the President for two-year, renewable terms, these leaders offer counsel, introductions, and feedback on the organization’s strategic priorities and life-saving peacebuilding work.
“Whether performing a lead role at the Metropolitan Opera or standing in a windowless conference room for a training on how to defuse conflict, Ryan throws 100% of himself into the pursuits that inspire him,” said Search’s CEO Shamil Idriss. “In doing so, he inspires everyone he touches. I could not be prouder to welcome Ryan to our President’s Leadership Council or more excited to partner with him so that his passion for peacebuilding may inspire his legions of fans and followers.”
More about the President’s Leadership Council can be found at https://www.sfcg.org/presidents-leadership-council.
ENDS
NOTE TO EDITORS
SEARCH FOR COMMON GROUND is the largest dedicated peacebuilding organization. Since 1982, we have worked to end violent conflict and to build healthy, safe, and just societies all over the world. Currently, we work in 31 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. www.sfcg.org
