Paul Hazen has been named executive director of the U.S. Overseas Cooperative Development Council.
Hazen most recently was president/CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association and has more than 30 years of experience in international and domestic cooperative development, the OCDC said.
“We’re delighted to have Paul leading OCDC. He brings to the organization a wealth of cooperative experience and an in-depth knowledge of cooperative international development,” said Tom Verdoom of Land O’Lakes Inc., board chair of the OCDC.
Hazen is a frequent speaker at national and international forums on the role of cooperatives in community and economic development. He also is on the board of the Consumer Federation of America and is a former board member and chair of his new employer.
He also currently serves on the International Cooperative Alliance board of directors and chairs the United Nations International Year of the Cooperative steering committee.
“This year will be particularly exciting for OCDC, its members and Paul as we launch the International Year of Cooperatives,” Verdoom said.
The OCDC has projects in more than 70 countries, the largest portfolio of cooperative development programs in the world, the organization said.
Its members include the World Council of Credit Unions, along with ACDI/VOCA, CHF International, Cooperative Resources International, Communications Cooperative International, HealthPartners, Land O'Lakes International Development, the NCBA and NRECA.
