#Chemonics40: Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future

Today, Chemonics celebrates our 40th anniversary. On July 14, 1975, our founder and first CEO Tony Teele began an incredible journey with just a development mission and a single employee. Forty years later, many things have changed. Chemonics has more than 2,800 employees worldwide, 94 percent of whom are local. We are 100-percent employee owned, which was a dream of Tony’s. We have implemented development projects in more than 145 countries worldwide.

But one thing has never changed: our mission to help people live healthier, more productive, and more independent lives.

It is our mission that unites us and inspires us. It is our mission that drives us, that challenges us to work hard to promote meaningful and lasting change for developing countries. Looking back on the past forty years, we have much to celebrate. I am particularly proud that Chemonics is 100-percent employee owned, as it means we are free to pursue our development mission. And I am tremendously proud of the work we have done, working side-by-side with clients, international partners, local governments and institutions, civil society groups, communities, and individuals.

As I look around the world today, I know there’s still much work to be done. Too many people still live in poverty, suffer through instability and conflicts, and go without life-saving medicines and necessities such as clean water and nutritious food.

Forty years has taught us that there is no quick fix, no magic bullet, and no perfect solution.

But there is always a drive to do better. And it is that drive that makes me optimistic about our future—no matter what challenges we may face.

To all of you who have been a part of these past 40 years, and all who continue to support us, a heartfelt thank you. Together, we are embracing these challenges every day—hour-by-hour, community-by-community, person-by-person—taking measured but meaningful steps that will pave the way for a healthier, more prosperous future.