Gwendolyn Appel serves as Chief Operating Officer at Counterpart International, where she leads global operations and ensures programs are delivered effectively and at scale. She plays a central role in translating strategy into execution, strengthening systems, and supporting teams to deliver results across the organization’s global portfolio.

With more than 25 years of experience, Gwendolyn brings deep expertise in operational leadership, grant and financial management, and program delivery across sectors including agriculture, economic growth, governance, health, and environment. She has extensive experience supporting complex, donor-funded programs and building the systems and processes that enable teams to perform in diverse and challenging environments.

Prior to joining Counterpart, Gwendolyn worked as an independent consultant supporting international development organizations across Africa and Southeast Asia. She previously held leadership roles at DAI, Abt Associates, and International Resources Group, where she focused on strengthening project delivery and organizational effectiveness.