The current FOA Board of Directors is composed of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers who have served in Albania. There are currently two current Peace Corps Albania Volunteers in-country who act as the liaisons for communication between FOA and Albania.

Current Board Members

Jacqueline Labrador - President

Jacqueline served in the Community Economic Development sector from 2015 to 2017 at the Regional Directorate of Social Services, the Civil Society Development Center (CSDC) in Durres, and managed Albanian Model United Nations. During her service, she developed Durres' first digital community media platform for youth, mentored girls in developing android applications, coordinated field visits and trainings for youth in digital media and literacy, and assisted with multiple NGO's with media visibility. After Peace Corps, she continued working overseas for UNICEF, UN Women, and WHO in Lao PDR, Belarus, and the Asia Pacific in child health, gender, and global vaccination efforts. Now she lives in the US and works for a USAID contractor focused on global food security and preventing famine. During her free time, she renovates a house and spends time with her partner and cat, Qofte-Frikadel'ka, in Big Sky country. Jacqueline is part of Friends of Albania because she wants to continue contributing to the development of Albania and stay connected to a place that shaped who she is today.

Alison Bregstein, Vice President

Alison served in the Community Organizational Development sector from 2015 to 2017 at the Regional Development Agency, (ARZh) in Korça. She assisted her colleagues in filling and managing a small business incubator as well as helping them advocate for villages outside of the city with the municipality. During her service, she also sat on the Small Grants Committee and was passionate about helping other volunteers bring their projects to life. She currently runs her own successful consulting business in NYC. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends, traveling and continuing to volunteer in a variety of ways. Alison is part of Friends of Albania because she wants to continue to stay connected to a place that is very important to her.

Kyle Roberts - Treasurer

Kyle served as Friends of Albania President from 2017 to 2019. Kyle served as a Community & Organization Development volunteer in the Peace Corps at the Bashkia Fier, USAID Planning & Local Governance Project, and Albanian-American Development Foundation from 2012 to 2015. Today, he manages the planning department of one of Oregon's fastest-growing cities. Some of Kyle’s hobbies include long-distance cycling, travelling, and birding. Kyle is part of the Friends of Albania board because he wants to continue serving Albania. He also wants to contribute to the development of Albania and keep the Peace Corps spirit alive.

Dennis Dias - Secretary & Social Media

Dennis served in Korçë, Albania from 2011 to 2013 as an English education volunteer. During his service, Dennis taught English language courses at the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the Fan S. Noli University, Preca College, the public library, and primary schools in surrounding villages of Dersnik and Qatrom. Dennis contributed to several youth leadership initiatives and received a grant from Friends of Albania to help fund foreign language libraries at primary schools in Dersnik and Polenë. Currently, Dennis lives in New York where he works as a special education teacher for the New York City Department of Education. He enjoys history, books, Internet technology, nature, and urban exploration.

Jill Conway - Grants Coordinator

Jill served at the Kavaje Directory of Public Health as a Health Extension Agent from 2013 to 2015. Jill held positions on several committees as the Outdoor Ambassadors Camp Coordinator, Anti-trafficking in Persons Grants Coordinator, and the Volunteer Advisory Committee Whip. She also started the Kavaje Young Adults Center, wrote a popular blog that went viral in Albania, and completed a cervical cancer training of trainers project. Now, Jill currently works as a Program Analyst with the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services, supporting policy initiatives for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. She enjoys bike riding, hanging out with her cat Shpirti, and kayaking. Jill is part of the Friends of Albania board because she is passionate about supporting current Peace Corps volunteers in implementing sustainable projects in their communities. She also enjoys remaining in contact with Albania, a place she considers her second home.

Will Burchell - Fundraising and Membership

Will Burchell was a Community Economic Development volunteer in Bashkia Roskovec from 2015 to 2017. While there he worked with municipality staff as an advisor and professional skills trainer. Much of his time was spent with the community youth. Being around so many bright and talented young people in his town fostered his optimism for the future of the country and the work that PCVs are doing. Will lives and works in New York City and enjoys cooking, traveling, and exploring the city. He is excited to keep his connection to Albania strong as a board member for Friends of Albania, and enjoys the role it plays in funding the efforts of current volunteers.

Founding & Previous Board Members

Friends of Albania was created in 2009 by Group 10 Peace Corps Volunteers as they left Albania with a collective feeling to continue the Peace Corps experience.  This interest to create FOA was sparked by a desire to remember experiences, speak Albanian and connect with others who are interested in this special part of the world. 

Founding Members: Paul Mastin, Katie Mastin, Dan McGinley, Marisa Bowersox, Kenji Yamada, Chuck Schroeder, Bill Trunk

Previous Board Members: Juliet Kosarzychi, Adam Kirk, Kendra Bruce, Alex Moskaluk, Karen Price, Will Bevins, Laura Hammett, Rebecca Mueller, Larry Koziarz, Emily Franchett, Daniel Shibley, Casey Loving, Joyce Wolf, Brenna Mickey

Previous PCV Liasons: Ari Cooper, Katie Mcbride