Passing the torch: Transition of the Chair of the H2H Board

After five years of service and leadership, Heba Aly is stepping down as the Chairperson of the H2H Board, as she also moves on from her role as CEO of The New Humanitarian. Although we are sad to see Heba go, we are likewise delighted to announce she is handing over to Karin Maasel, CEO of Data Friendly Space.

Under Heba’s tenure as Chair, the network has become an increasingly important platform to enhance the impact of H2H organizations, and in contexts such as Sudan, Syria, Haiti and Pakistan, H2H services have enabled more efficient, effective and accountable aid. Developments in the network have included growth of the H2H Team, the professionalization of the network's structure, diversification of the donor base, and the recruitment of a new Executive Director for H2H. Heba's strategic oversight, commitment and experience have played a crucial role in the evolution of the H2H Network.

Reflecting on her tenure, Heba Aly expressed:

It has been so rewarding to watch H2H evolve from an idea to a movement to a network. H2H oganizations play such an important – though often invisible – role in improving humanitarian aid in crises. The network gives them valuable support, from access to funding to making their services better known in the humanitarian eco-system. It’s been a privilege to contribute to the network’s development and I’m sure it will continue to grow its impact in the years to come. "

As we express our gratitude and extend our best wishes to Heba, we also welcome Karin Maasel as the next Chairperson. Karin brings a wealth of experience working with humanitarian organizations such as Save the Children and Finn Church Aid in the Horn of Africa, the Pacific and the Middle East over the past 15 years. Before joining Data Friendly Space, she served as the Head of Africa Department at the Estonian Centre for International Development.

Taking on this role, Karin remarked:

We all ask difficult questions about the present and the future of the humanitarian sector - that’s the easy part. What draws me to the H2H Network and the expertise of its membership is our unique position to collaboratively implement answers to these difficult questions - from increased efficiency and accountability to localization and innovation. H2H is entering a new phase of growth and ambition and I am looking forward to supporting the team however I can.”

With Karin's vision to improve humanitarian response through H2H Services and commitment to the network’s mission, we are confident that we are poised for an exciting new chapter for the H2H Network.

Kim Scriven, Executive Director of the H2H Network, said about the Chair of H2H Board transition:

It’s been a pleasure working with Heba as Chair during my time as H2H Executive Director, and she was instrumental in getting me up to speed and moving in the role. I’m sad to see her go but excited to see what she does next! I’m equally excited to be working with Karin, whose energy and ideas will no doubt play a vital role in driving the next stage of H2H’s development.”

Please join us in expressing our deepest appreciation to Heba Aly for her time served and in extending a warm welcome to Karin Maasel.