Christopher Maclay, Project Coordinator

Christopher Maclay comes to GRG with a background in youth, conflict andlivelihoods. He has worked with hard-to-reach youth in a range of contexts, from evaluating projects for former child soldiers in Liberia, to managing a youth entrepreneurship projectin southern Mexico, as well as running workshops for young offenders in his native UK.  Christopher recently returned from Bangladesh, where he spent two years in the management team of DFID’s heralded £65m EEP/shiree challenge fund, which creates livelihood opportunities for the extreme poor.  He has an MA in Post-war Recovery Studies from the University of York, and has had a series of articles published on social and psychological aspects of conflict recovery and development. Beyond his passion for youth-centered development management, Christopher loves playing football (soccer) and used to be hip-hop DJ.

Stella Miryam Akoli – Accountant

Stella Miryam Akoli is GRG’s Accountant. Before working with GRG, Stella worked with MTN, a large mobile phone company, in their money transfer department in Gulu. Educated at the Uganda College of Commerce in Aduku, Stella holds a diploma in business studies and accounting. Stella has also worked for Masindi District Local Government, in Western Uganda. She is fluent in five languages.

Francis Opio – Program Officer

Francis holds a Bachelors degree in Development Studies from Kyambogo University, Uganda. Before joining GRG in January 2011, Francis worked with a number of other NGOs in northern Uganda, including ACTED and Friends of Orphans, as well as with the Gulu District Local Government. Francis has been directly involved with working with returnees and former combatants in his previous postings and brings strong field experience to GRG’s program team.

Brianna Kilcullen – Fundraising Fellow

Brianna, a recent graduate of George Washington University has a degree in International Business.  Before working with GRG, Brianna studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa, conducting an in depth research study on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.  After returning from South Africa, she worked for a counterinsurgency agency and the U.S. government.  Brianna is looking forward to continuing her work in developing countries with a focus on social entrepreneurship.