TechnoServe Welcomes New Chief Operating Officer Laura Harwig
TechnoServe announced today the appointment of Laura Harwig as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). A seasoned international development leader, Harwig brings nearly 20 years of experience driving climate resilience, inclusive market systems, and private-sector partnerships. In her new role, she will lead TechnoServe’s global program operations, enhancing the organization’s ability to deliver transformative impact for enterprising farmers and entrepreneurs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
ARLINGTON, VA. (July 21, 2025) — TechnoServe, a global nonprofit that helps people lift themselves out of poverty through market-driven solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Harwig as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Harwig brings nearly two decades of international development experience, with deep expertise in market systems, climate resilience, and private-sector engagement. She served as Vice President of Field Services at Fintrac Inc., where she helped design and manage donor-funded programs that integrated millions of smallholder farmers into commercial value chains across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
At TechnoServe, Harwig will oversee the organization’s global program operations, helping to drive operational excellence and strengthen the nonprofit’s capacity to deliver life-changing programs around the world.
“We are thrilled to welcome a seasoned leader like Laura who brings both strategic vision and frontline experience to this new role,” said Will Warshauer, President and CEO of TechnoServe. “At a time of change and challenge in global development, she will be a critical force in helping us deliver on our promise to enterprising farmers and entrepreneurs: that we will support them with the tools, training, and connections they need to build better lives.”
Harwig has served as Chief of Party and Project Director on multiple flagship projects funded by USAID, including the Feed the Future Partnering for Innovation activity, where she led an investment portfolio aimed at scaling transformative agricultural technologies for over one million smallholder farmers. She also led USAID’s Climate Adaptation Support Activity, collaborating with the U.S. government to improve climate resilience across agricultural and food systems programs.
“I’ve seen firsthand the power of locally driven, market-based approaches to development,” said Harwig. “I’m honored to join TechnoServe, whose commitment to practical, lasting impact aligns so closely with my own. I look forward to working with our teams around the world to help farmers and entrepreneurs seize opportunities and thrive—even in uncertain times.”
Harwig holds a B.A. in International Relations and Economics from the College of William and Mary. She began her development career as a student at the University of Nairobi and has lived and worked on four continents.
This leadership transition comes at a time when TechnoServe continues to evolve and strengthen its operations despite widespread cuts in U.S. foreign aid funding. Two-thirds of TechnoServe’s work is supported by a diverse set of funders—including global foundations, multinational corporations, and government agencies outside the U.S.—and the organization remains active across Africa, Asia and Latin America. In 2024 alone, TechnoServe helped more than 1.2 million people increase their incomes, supported over 73,000 jobs, and generated nearly $491 million in financial benefits for clients.
About TechnoServe
Founded in 1968, TechnoServe is a leader in harnessing the power of the private sector to help people lift themselves out of poverty for good. A non-profit organization working in around 35 countries, we work with people to build a better future through regenerative farms, businesses, and markets that increase incomes. Our vision is a sustainable world where all people in low-income communities have the opportunity to prosper.
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