Statement
Honoring Daniel Casanova
The entire Global Partners for Development family is profoundly saddened to announce the sudden passing of Daniel Casanova. Daniel was until recently our long-standing Executive Director, a key board member, and a true friend of the organization.
We understand that many who knew, worked or traveled with him share our feelings of shock and grief. His passing is a tremendous loss for his family, friends, colleagues, and associates both at Global Partners and elsewhere. We miss Daniel enormously.
In 2013, Global Partners embarked on a search for a new executive director. We sought someone who could put their heart into our mission, and lead our organization into a new chapter. The criteria and the job description was daunting. We chose Daniel over many good applicants; he was the candidate unafraid to think outside the box, risky for us but full of excitement. Daniel was alive, enlivening, insightful, smart, skillful at developing relationships and a wonderful storyteller. He was the “partner” we sought that could move Global Partners forward. He fulfilled our largest expectations, leading the organization for twelve years. He introduced GPFD to many new and generous donors, personably caring for each, as he did with all of our partners in East Africa. He was, and continues to be known and loved by those who crossed his path.
From the very beginning of his career with Global Partners, Daniel took full ownership of the organization and formulated a vision for a future of locally generated community development and leadership in East Africa. He did not do this alone, enrolling countless others along the way – his staff, both here and in Africa, the Board, and our growing Global Partners family. Daniel and his team’s development model proved useful for communities of greatest need, focusing on public health (water, sanitation and hygiene) and education (school construction and teacher housing), positively affecting the lives of thousands and thousands of people.
Daniel graduated from his role as executive director in 2024 (departing to take on the executive director role at another nonprofit, the Eviction Defense Collaborative). But he never left Global Partners. As one of our board members, he continued to actively share his insight and guidance as the organization entered into a new phase. Daniel was with us right up to his death. Although he’s no longer with us physically, his spirit continues to influence and inspire us to work as he did with friendship, respect, and a big smile.
To Daniel’s family, his children, and spouse – our hearts are with you. We are forever inspired by his leadership, compassion, and an unwavering belief that we can make a better world. We are determined to carry forward Daniel’s legacy with the care and conviction it deserves.