The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Samantha DuQuesnay Chantrelle as its new Development Director.

For more than four decades, AFJ has brought together people who share a common belief – that investing in Jamaica’s people and communities creates lasting change. By connecting the generosity of donors in the United States with outstanding Jamaican nonprofit organisations, AFJ has helped strengthen communities across the island while fostering one of the Caribbean’s most enduring philanthropic partnerships.

As Development Director, Samantha will lead AFJ’s efforts to deepen donor engagement, strengthen strategic partnerships and expand opportunities for philanthropy that support Jamaican organisations delivering meaningful and lasting impact.

Samantha brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in philanthropy, international development and strategic partnerships across Jamaica, the Caribbean and the United States. Her career includes serving as Chief Executive Officer of Digicel Foundation and providing strategic leadership on development initiatives involving organisations such as USAID, the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), the Caribbean Development Bank, the World Bank, UNDP, Flow Foundation and NCB Foundation. Throughout her career, she has built partnerships that bring together governments, development institutions, foundations, the private sector and civil society to mobilise resources, strengthen organisations and expand opportunity.

“Samantha’s track record speaks for itself,” said Mark Newman, Chair of AFJ’s Strategy & Organisational Development Committee. “For more than two decades, she has built strategic partnerships across the Caribbean and understands the trust-building work at the heart of Jamaica-U.S. philanthropy. We’re thrilled to have her join the team, and I’m confident her experience and leadership will strengthen AFJ’s ability to deepen relationships with our donors and partners while expanding support for the outstanding Jamaican organisations we serve.”

Samantha said, “What has always distinguished AFJ is its ability to bring people together around a shared commitment to Jamaica. For more than forty years, donors, partners and supporters have helped build an extraordinary legacy of philanthropy that continues to transform lives across the island. I am honoured to join the AFJ team and look forward to working alongside our Board, donors, partners and grantee organisations to build on that legacy, strengthen our community of supporters and inspire the next generation of philanthropy in support of Jamaica.”