Alicyn Yarbrough to lead Glimmer into 20th year

Glimmer’s founder and CEO, Donna Berber, is stepping down from her day-to-day role and appointing Alicyn Yarbrough as incoming CEO, effective immediately. Berber led Glimmer as CEO for the past five years during a time of transition for the organization. She oversaw important refinements to Glimmer’s strategic approach in Ethiopia, shifting the focus to economic empowerment and resilience for families and supporting Glimmer’s expansion through new foundation partnerships. With the organization’s direction well established, Berber will be taking more time with her family, while continuing in an active role at Glimmer as executive chair of the board.

“During my time as CEO, I was able to build upon my deep commitment as founder of Glimmer and work hand-in-hand with a uniquely talented and committed group of people across our teams in Austin and Ethiopia,” said Berber. “Under Alicyn’s leadership, the entire Glimmer family will continue to grow and expand, as we work tirelessly toward our shared vision to end poverty in the rural communities of Ethiopia.”

Yarbrough will move from her position as chief development and operations officer into the CEO position. During her nine years with Glimmer, Alicyn has served in a variety of roles and capacities, bringing deep experience in operations, fundraising and strategic planning to the CEO role.

“As Glimmer heads into our 20th anniversary in 2020, it is a momentous time for our organization, and more importantly, a time of celebration for the incredible progress that has taken place in Ethiopia since Donna founded Glimmer,” said Yarbrough. “I am deeply honored to be a part of this change and to continue to work in partnership with the people of Ethiopia. With such an incredible team in Austin and Ethiopia, I see even more opportunity to make lasting change together.”

“Glimmer will always be a priority and passion for me, and while my day-to-day involvement will change, I will always have Glimmer forefront in my heart and mind,” said Berber.