The ORCE Team
At ORCE, we believe leadership must reflect inclusivity. ORCE is a board-led organization, with women comprising 50% of our board members. Gender balance is not just a goal—it is our practice. Inclusive leadership strengthens our vision, accountability, and impact.
Board of Directors
Birhan Habtie Nigussie
Chairperson
Birhan Habtie Nigussie is Chair of the ORCE Board of Directors. She has extensive academic teaching and research experience in Political Science and Strategic Studies (PSSS). Birhan serves as a Lecturer and Dean of the College of Law & Governance at Mekelle University.
Dr. Fitsum Bekele Gezahgn
Vice-chairperson
Dr. Fitsum Bekele Gezahgn is the Vice-chair for Strategic Planning and Resource Mobilization. Dr. Fitsum is an ophthalmic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience community health services, program management, work with international NGO partners across Africa.
Lisanu Ashebir Abraha
Vice-chairperson
Lisanu Ashebir Abraha is the Vice-chair for Research and Development. An educational leader dedicated to innovation, social empowerment, and community resilience, Lisanu is the founder and director of Afrismart EdTech and Consultancy, and a founding member of Spark Forum.
The chair and vice-chairs work with our other board members to provide expertise and thoughtful governance for ORCE.
Founders
Yohannes Fisseha Gebrekidan
Dr. Yohannes Fisseha Gebrekidan is the founder and executing management member with ORCE. Yohannes is a mental health and psychosocial support specialist with more than two decades of experience in higher education, humanitarian response, counseling, and training.
Frezgi Gebrekristos
Frezgi Gebrekristos is a Psychotherapist/Trainer and MHPSS Expert. As a licensed psychologist in the humanitarian sector, he is dedicated to enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of individuals and communities affected by crisis, conflict, and war trauma.
Kiflom Negash Beyene
Kiflom Negash Beyene is an Expert Physiotherapy Specialist with ORCE. He is a licensed and registered physiotherapy specialist with more than 18 years of expertise helping people restore mobility, relieve pain, and improve quality of life after injury, illness, or trauma.