After more than a decade of dedicated leadership, Chris Grove will transition out of the role of Executive Director of ESCR-Net by the end of 2025. Chris has played a pivotal role in shaping ESCR-Net as a truly member-led space, strengthening its collective voice and advancing systemic change. His leadership has been marked by a deep commitment to centering social movements and Indigenous Peoples, feminist and intersectional approaches, and facilitating spaces for members to build solidarity, systemic analysis, and collective action to transform unjust economic and political structures.
Reflecting on Chris’s contributions, Ryan Schlief, outgoing Board member and Executive Director of the International Accountability Project, noted:
ESCR-Net has always been about people. Its 300+ members, its incredible staff, and the numerous devoted supporters around the world have truly made ESCR-Net the successful and inspiring network it is today. We are truly indebted to Chris’ thoughtful leadership, guiding us all so we could reach this present moment. Now, with 20 years of experience, the incredible people of ESCR-Net are prepared to welcome leadership that continues our collective vision”.
From the Network’s launch in 2003 to the development of its member-led governance and structure, Chris has played a key role in ensuring social movement and feminist leadership in ESCR-Net’s analysis and strategies for collective action. As Hala S. Murad, Board member and CEO of Dibeen Association for Environmental Development, expressed:
Much of ESCR-Net’s success is attributed to Chris, whose dedication seamlessly combined passion, effort, and perseverance. Beyond his managerial role, he was a visionary and driving force, embedding a dynamic spirit and core values that ensure both achievement and continuity.”
This transition comes at a time of profound global challenges—not only for ESCR-Net but for the broader human rights and social justice movements. The difficult political and financial landscape requires us to be strategic and steadfast, reinforcing our commitment to collective leadership and long-term sustainability. While these are not easy times, our commitment to defending human rights, resisting systemic injustices, and advancing transformative alternatives remains unwavering.
Guiding this next chapter is ESCR-Net’s member-led five-year strategic development plan. Collectivelly shaped by members during the Global Strategy Meeting in Thailand (September 16-20, 2024), this plan charts the path for our collective work.
As Debbie Stothard, Board member and Coordinator/Founder of ALTSEAN, emphasized:
ESCR-Net is an inclusive community of activists and organizations, where diverse social movements, Indigenous communities, women, youth, and other activists are welcomed, heard, and respected. Our principles of social, economic, political, and environmental justice are the uncompromising basis of our solidarity, collective leadership, and actions. Chris has helped build and sustain this community with persistence and kindness. We are immensely grateful.”
In 2023, ESCR-Net took intentional steps toward decentralizing and diversifying leadership, establishing a coordination team with program, campaign and membership, communications, and institutional development directors. This structure ensures continuity and strengthens our capacity to navigate the evolving landscape.
As Bidya Shrestha Maharjanfull, Board member and Chairperson of the Human Rights Awareness Center, shared:
Chris’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in ESCR-Net’s success. As we embark on this new chapter, we are confident the incoming leadership will continue to inspire and drive positive change.”
Chris’s departure will be deeply felt, but his legacy is embedded in the Network’s core principles, member-led model of work, and ongoing mission to build a global movement to make human rights and social justice a reality for all. We express our immense gratitude for his leadership and look forward to working together in the coming period to ensure a smooth transition.
The job posting for ESCR-Net’s next Executive Director is now live! We encourage you to share it widely:
