Leadership

Our board of directors is enthusiastic about beginning to apply AAEOMT’s electoral education program in the upcoming national elections in Ethiopia. We are eager to launch our project in an effort to be the most inclusive, and competent organization for all political actors in all of our communities that need these services.

Befekadu T. Retta
Executive Director
A skillful coordinator in government and local venues; solution-oriented with respect to public administration issues; strong in-house administrative and organizational skills, Befekadu T. Retta is a bicentennial man who has life experience gained in both Africa and the United States.

In America, Mr. Retta is a community organizer and translator as well as a skilled election professional. He has led political campaign committees, including one for Obama, and works as a liaison between the Cook County, Illinois Clerk’s office and municipal and township officials regarding election matters.
He has served as a court interpreter throughout the US and as the Manager of Adjustment, Reception & Placement for African, Middle Eastern, Eastern Europeans, and South East Asian Refugees and Immigrants.
In Africa, Mr. Retta served on the National Election Board of Ethiopia and continues to work as a volunteer election observer.
Mr. Retta’s life has led him to the African-American Election Observation and Monitoring Team and he is excited at the work ahead.

Yonnas Kefle
President

Dagne Yesihak, Esq.
Vice President/Legal Counsel

Mesfin Reda
Secretary

Martha GebreSelassie
Treasurer

Asratie Teferra
Independent Consultant

Guy P. Djoken
UNESCO Consultant