The A-CET governance team

Dr David G Stables, Founding Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

David has worked overseas for most of his life, principally in Africa. Initially he was a Military Engineer trainer, a Factory Manager, a BESO/VSO Small Business Advisor with DfID and latterly a development delegate with the International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies. David is retired and operates the Trust from his UK home whilst spending about half the year in Ethiopia monitoring and advising on our work. David was awarded an honorary doctorate from Mekelle University in 2013 for his services to the community

Dr Samuel Ayalew Assefa, Trustee

Dr Sammy Ayalew A-CET alumnus, was our first UK post graduate student. He is now recompleted his doctorate through a Wellcome Trust Scholarship for his PhD in to malaria eradication and is working as a Scientific Researcher with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine continuing his research. With his background, quiet maturity and powerfully persuasive oratory, he is ideally placed to support A-CET and brings a unique perspective to our board. Sammy visits Ethiopia annually and travels extensively overseas giving talks both professionally and for A-CET.

Dame Dr Claire Bertschinger, Trustee

Ex-Red Cross Nurse Claire may be remembered for featuring in Michael Buerk’s BBC documentary on the 1984 Ethiopian famine which galvanised Sir Bob Geldof to launch Band and Live Aid. Claire has written the book “Moving Mountains” about her life of which a proportion of the royalties come to A-CET. Claire also acts as an Ambassador for A-CET, giving many talks and presentations internationally. She is the holder of numerous international awards, holds four Honorary Doctorates and was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 2010. Her sincerity, experience, enthusiasm and continual active commitment to A-CET and Ethiopia are invaluable.

Bisrat Mesfin Gebremichael, Director

Bisrat, 34 year old A-CET alumnus, epitomizes all that A-CET aims to achieve. A 1984/85 famine survivor himself, he has been working with David since 1992. Now Manager and Chairman of our Ethiopian partners, EYES, we are fortunate he is a part of our Board as Director, where he can make an invaluable contribution. Bisrat has an extraordinary high level of commitment, is totally dedicated to his work with excellent administrative and diplomatic skills. Bisrat also has a tourist franchise and has been studying for a degree in Business Management. He is married with a young son.

Patrons

HE Ambassador Dr Kassa Gebrehiwot

Dr Kassa is the retired Ethiopian High Commissioner for Human Rights. He was the Ethiopian Ambassador to Russia for many years after being a Lecturer in Languages at Moscow University since 1972. He has written many books, received many accolades and awards and is a committed humanitarian.

Angela Glendenning

Angela was a senior probation officer and on her retirement she became a non-executive director of a community health trust for six years. She is a tireless campaigner in the field of race relations and in mobilising support for families seeking asylum. In February 2011 she joined an international group of volunteers planting olive trees to in the West Bank of Palestine and on her return she launched the North Staffordshire Olive Tree Campaign. Angela still finds time to support A-CET and regularly visit our work in Ethiopia, where she has a lovely rapport with all our staff and students.

Dr Michael Burden

Dr Michael Burden is a retired Pharmacist and active on many local and UK committees that are education oriented. Following a term as an A-CET Trustee, to remain supporting A-CET, he became a Patron and continues to be actively involved in our work. He is Chair of Governors at a Primary School in the City of Leicester and is committed to doing what he can to ensure that children get the best possible education - wherever they live!