Dear Friends and Supporters of World Savvy,
We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you: The World Savvy Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Hamse Warfa is starting today as our next Chief Executive Officer. This decision follows a comprehensive search process, and we are confident that Hamse’s exceptional leadership and vision will guide World Savvy into a new chapter of growth and impact.
Hamse Warfa is a renowned global leader, democracy and workforce development expert, bestselling author, and speaker with over 25 years of experience across federal and state governments, philanthropy, and the private sector who embodies the principles of global competence. His work has consistently focused on civic engagement and economic development, with a deep commitment to partnering with young people as changemakers. Hamse’s unique journey—from a child refugee from Somalia to a U.S. presidential appointee—has equipped him with the lived experiences and insights needed to lead World Savvy as we continue our mission to transform K-12 education for a diverse and interconnected world.
The Board’s decision to appoint Hamse as our new CEO comes after a rigorous national search process. We partnered with a leading executive search firm that embodies our values and vision for the future. Throughout this process, we were consistently impressed by Hamse’s commitment to education, equity, and innovation. His track record of leadership and impact, both locally and globally, makes him the ideal person to advance World Savvy’s goals and expand our reach.
Hamse’s relationship with World Savvy spans over a decade. As a volunteer, fundraiser, and collaborator, he has long supported our efforts to create inclusive, student-centered learning environments that prepare young people to thrive in an ever-changing world. Now, as CEO, Hamse is ready to build on this foundation and lead World Savvy into a future where an emphasis on the skills necessary to thrive in an interconnected and complex world is the norm in education, not the exception.
As a Board, we are united in our enthusiasm for Hamse’s leadership. We believe his deep knowledge, strategic vision, and personal commitment to equity will be invaluable as we work to reach more students and educators across the country. Here are a few reflections from our Board members:
“I am thrilled to welcome Hamse Warfa as the new CEO of World Savvy,” shares Sarah Smith, a key member of the Board’s Search Committee. “Hamse’s remarkable life and career — as a refugee, an appointee of Governor Tim Walz, and a senior advisor in the State Department — combined with his visionary approach to inclusive, equitable education, make him the perfect leader for World Savvy.”
“As chair of the Transition Task Force Committee, I’m thrilled to welcome Hamse Warfa as the next CEO for World Savvy,” says Kathlene Campbell. “His wealth of knowledge and expertise will continue to uplift the important work of World Savvy that outgoing CEO and Co-Founder Dana Mortenson began 22 years ago.”
As we prepare to welcome Hamse into his new role, we want to express our deep gratitude to Dana Mortenson, our Co-Founder and outgoing CEO, for her visionary leadership and tireless dedication over the past two decades. Dana’s legacy will continue to inspire our work, and we are fortunate to have her support during this important transition.
We invite you to join us in welcoming Hamse Warfa as World Savvy’s next CEO. We are confident that under his leadership, World Savvy will continue to grow and thrive, advancing our mission to empower the next generation.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Warm regards,
Linda Ireland
Chair of the Board of Directors, World Savvy
