About Rick McGowan

This is how Rick is a Changemaker:
I have 25 plus years of planning, managing and evaluating rural devevlopment projects, particularly renewable eneryg and rural water supply and sanitation projects in about 30 countries. I know what work works and what doesn't, and I know what kind of people with what kinds of skils and knowledge are required to make it happen. I am also very knowledgeable about what kinds of problems typically arise in working in this sector, and how best to deal with those problems.

The place for which Rick feels a fondness or connection:
Vietnam - I have been working here for more than the last four years on rurual water supply and sanitation projects financed by World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the East Meets West Foundation. I have also worked in about 30 other countries for the last 25 years planning and implementing rural devevlopment projects focused on water supply, sanitation, and renewable energy. Vietnam is a good place to work as the local governments are eager to provide institutional support and liaison with local communities people to encourage beneficiaries' willingness to take an active role in improving their living conditions. Coupled with a often strong beneficiary willingness to pay (in cash and in kind labor for financing and building facilities), this attitude is helpful in working to plan, finance and develop improved rural infrastructure, particularly improved water supply and sanitary latrines.

The change Rick passionately wants to happen:
I want to be a part of ensuring that people in rural Vietnam are able to have regular access to high quality water and environmental santation services, so that they and their children will live better, more productive and happier lives. It's that simple.