In the past two years, AVSC's already distinguished Board of Directors has been greatly enriched by the addition of four new members. The four individuals described below all joined AVSC's Board in 1997-1998, and they bring a diversity of new talents and perspectives to our work.

Shahida Azfar, M.A.

For the past two decades, Shahida Azfar has contributed to international aid efforts at UNICEF. She is now UNICEF's Representative for Bangladesh.

In her previous positions at UNICEF, Azfar has helped implement, monitor, and evaluate activities in health, nutrition, education, and women's development in Pakistan; established the organization's operations in Namibia; and set up and managed an interagency team of technical advisors on population in South and West Asia for UNFPA.

María Soledad Díaz, M.D.

A physician with postgraduate training in family planning, María Soledad Díaz brings experience working as a consultant, advisor, and board member for many Chilean and international organizations.

Author of numerous journal articles and book chapters, she is currently senior researcher and member of the board of the Instituto Chileno de Medicina Reproductiva and a member of the International Medical Advisory Panel of the International Planned Parenthood Federation.

Grant J. Donovan, M.B.A.

A graduate of the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Grant J. Donovan brings expertise in the areas of business and finance. He is founder and president of Galehead, Inc., a receivables-collection agency specializing in the maritime industry.

In addition to his management experience, Donovan has a long-term interest in family planning, reproductive health, and international development.

Mahmoud Fahmy Fathalla, M.D., Ph.D.

An obstetrician/gynecologist, Mahmoud Fahmy Fathalla is widely known and respected in the field of international reproductive health.

Fathalla is currently senior advisor for biomedical research at the Rockefeller Foundation and a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Assiut University in Egypt. He is also a former dean of the Assiut Medical School; author of countless medical textbooks, journal articles, and scientific papers; a speaker and organizer of international scientific conferences; and an advisor-consultant to many international organizations.

We welcome these accomplished colleagues to the AVSC community and look forward to their contributions to our work.