Our Team
Executive Leadership
Dawit Negari
President
Dawit Negari is the founder and president of Grace Elderly Care International. After personally supporting vulnerable elders in Ethiopia for more than five years, he established GECI in 2021 to expand that work through a transparent, community-based organization. Dawit is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Government Financial Manager. He earned an MBA from Louisiana State University Shreveport. He provides volunteer leadership and receives no compensation from GECI.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tesfaye Muluneh
Tesfaye Muluneh serves as chair of GECI’s board. He brings experience in community needs assessment, program planning, and humanitarian response, including prior service as a planning and evaluation expert with Ethiopia’s Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Commission. He earned an associate degree in Rural Economics and Social Development from Addis Ababa University and a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in accounting from the University of Phoenix.
Jember Ayalew
ember Ayalew serves as secretary of GECI’s board. He is a Certified Public Accountant and technology professional with an interest in youth empowerment and programs addressing economic and social challenges faced by underserved communities. He contributes financial, governance, and technology experience to GECI’s board.
Deena A. Beshir
Deena A. Beshir serves as treasurer of GECI’s board. She is a Certified Public Accountant and contributes accounting, financial oversight, and nonprofit volunteer experience. Deena earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a minor in Economics from George Mason University and has volunteered with organizations serving refugees and other vulnerable communities.
