Paul Frank, Executive Director
Paul Frank, PhD, is SIL LEAD’s Executive Director. As one of SIL LEAD’s founders, Paul brings 30 years of experience working with language issues in developing country contexts. Prior to leading SIL LEAD, Paul was the Director of International Relations and Vice President for Academic Affairs for SIL International. For 17 years, he implemented and led language development fieldwork in Colombia for SIL. Paul has also served as a board member for SIL International for three years. He holds a PhD in Linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania.
Clare O’Leary cofounded SIL LEAD and brings over thirty years of experience in linguistics and education to her current role.
Clare earned a PhD in Sociolinguistics from Georgetown University in 1988 and from 2006 to 2016 served as the Associate Executive Director for SIL International. There she oversaw, managed, and supported ten Area Directors as they coordinated and lead language-based development work in Africa, Asia, Eurasia, the Pacific, and the Americas.
From 2010 to early 2017, Clare served on the Board of Directors for SIL LEAD, and joined the organization in her current capacity in May, 2017. She keeps up her teaching by volunteering locally with a wonderful community of ESL students from all over the world.
To learn more of Clare's story, check out Clare's life-journey and recent work entitled "Oh, the Places You'll Go" on our blog.
Clare O'Leary, Director of Community-Based Programs
Our Board of Directors:
SIL LEAD's board is comprised of thought leaders and practitioners from the linguistics, philanthropy, and international development communities. Learn More...
