W. David Gressly
Executive Director
David joined Friends after retiring from the United Nations as its Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen. He has held many positions with the United Nations, most recently working collaboratively to prevent what could have been the world’s largest oil spill in the Red Sea. David has worked extensively in Africa and Asia, building teams to effect positive goals in the world.
David grew up working on the family farm. He stated that his initial desire was to become an environmentalist, and is looking forward to working in that milieu with Friends of the Verde River.
Interview with David Gressly
A rusting oil tanker with a million barrels of oil was in danger of breaking up when a rescue mission was launched this year by the UN. Veteran diplomat David Gressly is credited with averting a humanitarian and environmental catastrophe in the Red Sea by brokering a deal between Yemen’s Houthi rebels, the Yemeni government and world leaders to replace the endangered vessel, the FSO Safer. Host Carol Hills speaks with Gressly as he completes a 40-year career at the United Nations.
Interview source: PRX The World, Dec 15, 2023
