On April 1, 2013, Susi Mudge became the fourth President and CEO of Chemonics International. She succeeds Richard Dreiman, who served as President and CEO for seven years.

On April 1, 2013, Susi Mudge became the fourth President and CEO of Chemonics. Though the official handover occurred on April 1, this CEO transition is part of the firm’s ongoing succession planning, led by its Board.

“We believe leaders, such as the CEO, should come from within,” said Chemonics Chairman of the Board Eijk Van Otterloo. “Susi’s experience as a director, acting Chief of Party, Senior Vice President, and most recently, Executive Vice President, makes her an ideal choice.”

As Chemonics’ fourth CEO, Ms. Mudge will be the first woman to serve in that role. She is a 20-year veteran of the company and has served as Executive Vice President since 2005. Before that, she was Senior Vice President of the Latin America and Caribbean Region and has held senior leadership roles in the company.

“Today represents a new chapter for me and for Chemonics. I am humbled by the faith the Board, Richard, our Executive Management Team, and our talented and dedicated staff have placed in me to lead our company forward,” she said. “I believe in Chemonics. And I believe in our ability to work together to make a positive difference in peoples’ lives. I know that the solutions, the innovations, and the opportunities are here — with all of us working together.”

With a commitment to promote leaders from within, the Board of Directors spends considerable time encouraging and developing future leaders, with the expectation that leaders will change roles and refresh themselves regularly. Mr. Dreiman will continue to serve Chemonics in a senior advisory role to the Board.

“As I look back, I am humbled and moved by the countless lives we have been able to change and improve,” Mr. Dreiman said. “I have great confidence in Susi’s ability to lead Chemonics forward and know that she will be a great President and CEO. I could not have asked for a finer partner and friend to work with over the past seven years.”

Chemonics has a tradition of keeping former CEOs engaged with the company. Founder and first CEO Tony Teele served as Chairman of the Board until his death in 2005. Chemonics’ second CEO, Ashraf Rizk, served on the Board of Directors after he stepped down in 2006.