ROBERT RENO
bob.reno@gmail.com
215-488-7377
CAREER SUMMARY
Recognized leader in international project management with demonstrated achievements in community
development, education exchange and regional ICT connectivity. Extensive experience implementing multicountry programs in challenging environments. Build effective working relationships with host governments,
donor organizations, and key stakeholders.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Rural Education and Development (READ) Global, Thailand
An international development organization dedicated to combining education and private enterprise to make rural
communities in Nepal, India and Bhutan viable places to learn, build, and prosper. Focused on community
development through the creation of rural library and resource centers that serve as a platform for women’s
empowerment through education, training, and improved livelihoods.
Asia Managing Director (2008 – Present)
 Instrumental in the design of a successful $4.7 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the
main feature of which is the development of ICT usage in rural communities
 Assisted in the creation of a three year, $500,000 grant from Caterpillar Corporation designed to empower
women, educate children and promote livelihoods in the state of Karnataka, India
 Manage a livelihoods program for women in Rajasthan, India to develop skills for economic empowerment
through a grant from the Walmart Corporation
 Oversee the establishment and operation of 12 community library and resource centers in three countries;
develop innovative and locally-driven for-profit ventures to help sustain their operations
 Manage 20 staff and offices in three countries; develop strategic plans and budgets; monitor and evaluate
project performance
IREX, Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan)
An international development organization specializing in education, independent media and pluralistic civil
society development.
Education Programs Director (2004 – 2008)
 Managed six exchange programs throughout Central Asia, funded by the US State Department, recruiting
over 11,000 students, teachers, scholars, cultural leaders and business people resulting in over 500 program
placements
 Developed the concept resulting in a $90 million award from a World Bank led consortium to promote health
and education in Kazakhstan
 Managed grant compliance and funder relations with USAID, the US Embassy and other stakeholders
 Planned and facilitated career fairs, conferences, seminars and roundtable discussions
 Oversaw financial management of Central Asia offices to ensure balanced budget and financial integrity
Regional Manager for Freedom Support Act Undergraduate Program (2002 – 2004)
 Launched the program in five countries of Central Asia
 Achieved continual increase in number of applications submitted by students
 Traveled extensively throughout the countries of Central Asia to promote the program to students, university
faculty and staff, host country government officials and US Embassy personnel
U.S. Peace Corps, Washington, DC
Recruitment Specialist (2001-2002)
 Assessed applications for Crisis Corps service evaluating applicants' skills, experience, and suitability to serve
 Achieved 100% success rate for staffing positions in post conflict Bosnia and post earthquake El Salvador
Independent Consultant, Washington, DC / Philadelphia, PA (2000-2001)
 Conducted research on the effect of HIV/AIDS on employment in South Africa for the US Chamber of
Commerce
 Consulted and advised entrepreneurs and management of Internet start-up companies on marketing, business
strategies, and implementation
 Created business plans used to secure capital funding
IREX, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus
Regional Director (1998 – 1999)
 Managed three regional exchange programs funded by the US State Department and an international testing
center for graduate entrance exams, i.e. GMAT, GRE, TOEFL
 Created an online magazine to cultivate networking and publishing opportunities among USG program alumni
 Fostered and maintained relationships with mid- and high-level Ukrainian and U.S. government officials to
accomplish program goals
Internet Access and Training Program (IATP) Coordinator (1997 – 1998)
 Created Internet public access sites, developed web content and provided client services
 Identified opportunities for growth into new cities of Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus laying the groundwork
for the expansion of the IATP program throughout the former Soviet Union
 Created strategic partnerships with local libraries and universities as a platform to expand access and reduce
expenses
 Developed intensive training programs to teach basic Internet through web site design
 Marketed the IATP program through an on-line campaign increasing web site hits by 250%
US Peace Corps, Ukraine
Business Volunteer (1994-1996)
EDUCATION
MBA – International Business, Drexel University, Philadelphia PA
BS – Marketing, Drexel University, Philadelphia PA
LANGUAGES
Russian and Ukrainian