Suliman A. Kamyar is a strategic development leader and certified project management professional with over a decade of experience across the nonprofit, government, private, and international development sectors. As the Founder and CEO of the Global Institute for Sustainable Development (GISD), he leads initiatives that connect local priorities with global expertise—advancing education, economic opportunity, and inclusive community engagement.

Suliman has managed more than $200 million in multi-sector projects and authored over 500 successful proposals for nonprofits, academic institutions, government agencies, and private-sector clients. His work has delivered measurable impact for communities, and helped organizations secure funding, and enhance operations.

From 2017 to 2020, Suliman served as Economic Advisor and Chair of the Economic Empowerment Group in the Government of Afghanistan. In this role, he led high-level coordination among 29 government and international stakeholders to align national policies, strategies, and programs. He played a key role in the design and implementation of economic strategies and reforms, including a Full Package Sustainable Economic Development Model that created over 10,000 jobs for rural women and improved food security for more than 65,000 people. He also led legislative reforms to reduce tax burdens on agricultural cooperatives, expanding access to economic opportunities for farmers and ranchers.

Our Executive Team

Suliman A. Kamyar, PMP, CSM, ICP-ACC

President and CEO - GISD

In the United States, Suliman has served on several nonprofit boards and currently sits on the Board of Directors of the U.S.-Afghan Chamber of Commerce, where he chairs the Planning Committee. In addition to his formal leadership roles, he has volunteered his expertise to support nonprofits across Missouri, Illinois, and the DMV area, offering guidance in strategic planning and project standardization to strengthen their impact and sustainability.

He is actively engaged in many founder and executive networks across the DMV area and the United States.

Suliman also founded TechBridge Management Solutions LLC, a consulting firm based in Fairfax County, Virginia. The firm specializes in supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofits, technology and consulting firms, and government contractors with services in project management, strategic planning, capacity building, technology integration, international development, and impact measurement. TechBridge helps its clients overcome execution challenges, scale operations, and achieve measurable results.

He holds certifications in Project Management (PMP®), Agile Methodologies (CSM®, ICP-ORG, ICP-ACC, ICP-ATF), and organizational leadership. Suliman is fluent in English, Dari, and Pashto and is widely recognized for his collaborative leadership, cross-sectoral insight, and commitment to building systems that create sustainable, inclusive change.

Through GISD, Suliman continues to build programs and partnerships that empower communities to thrive—locally rooted, globally connected, and future-ready.

Kendel A. Paulsen is a leadership, life, and career coach with years of experience empowering professionals and purpose-driven leaders to achieve personal clarity, professional growth, and meaningful impact. As the founder of Women’s Empowerment Coaching and Consulting, LLC, Kendel supports individuals across industries and career stages in defining their direction and leading with confidence.

She has provided transformational coaching to professionals at some of the world’s most recognized organizations, including Salesforce, Amazon, and Accenture, as well as nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs. With over 1,000 coaching hours, Kendel brings a strategic, compassionate, and results-driven approach to every engagement.

Kendel’s leadership extends beyond coaching—she has served as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Brain Injury Services, leading the organization through board development, advocacy, and executive collaboration. Her expertise in organizational management, paired with her deep human insight, makes her a vital voice on the GISD Board of Directors.

She holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Management, multiple advanced certifications—including Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation—and is a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator.

Board of Directors

Kendel A. Paulsen, MA, CDCS, ACC

Founding Board Member - GISD

Lisa McGrail, a nonprofit leader with a passion for civic engagement and social impact, has been appointed to the Board of Directors at the Global Institute for Sustainable Development (GISD). With a career rooted in strengthening communities through partnership development, volunteer mobilization, and strategic fundraising, Lisa brings a mission-aligned perspective to GISD’s work of advancing peace, sustainability, and good governance around the world.

Lisa currently serves as Director of Partnerships and Development at Leadership Fairfax, where she leads efforts to engage alumni, secure funding through sponsorships and grants, and support leadership development initiatives. She collaborates with civic-minded organizations and individuals to cultivate meaningful connections and lasting impact throughout the community.

Her previous role with Women Giving Back focused on volunteer engagement and fundraising strategies that supported women and children in crisis. There, Lisa built a strong network of volunteers and secured essential financial support—further reflecting her deep commitment to community-based change.

Lisa also serves as the Ashburn District representative on Loudoun County’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Committee, where she contributes to shaping the county’s vision for inclusive, accessible, and sustainable public spaces.

Her dedication to service is also reflected at home—Lisa’s daughter is currently serving as a Youth Development Volunteer in the Peace Corps, continuing the family’s legacy of civic-minded global engagement.

Lisa is honored to join GISD’s Board of Directors and contribute to its mission of building stronger communities.

Lisa McGrail

Founding Board Member - GISD

Our Location

Address

10300 Eaton Pl, Suite 440, Fairfax VA 22030

&

Centreville, VA 20121

Hours

9 AM - 5 PM | Monday to Friday