Permanent Directors & Officers
Titles as elected at the Organizational Meeting and unchanged since. Compensation figures are cash paid for the 2024 tax year, as reported on Form 990-PF, Part VII.
Abbie Frances Colussi
President, Permanent Director
Leads organizational vision, high-level donor relations, and overall philanthropic strategy across domestic and international portfolios.
Get to know Abbie
I am lucky in that I am married to my high school sweetheart and best friend. We have three wonderful children together. We are full-time nomads traveling in our Ford Transit, Frankie. I love traveling around to see our kids and spending time outdoors, either on the water or in the mountains.
Hidden talent: Ability to dance to any Zumba song.
If I were a pasta shape: Stuffed shells because I love cheese!
Daniel Colussi
Vice-President, Permanent Director
Supports executive governance, North American program development, and field logistics oversight.
Get to know Daniel
I am a Chef who attended the Culinary Institute of America and am currently living in Scottsdale, Arizona. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family, watching F1, skiing, and being outside.
Hidden talent: My hibachi skills.
If I were a pasta shape: Orecchiette, because they are silly and can be used in many ways.
Kevin Colussi
Treasurer, Permanent Director
Manages the Foundation's asset portfolio, banking relationships, and technology infrastructure (ERPNext and Shield App). Holds sole signing authority for the U.S. side of the Intercompany Service Agreement.
Get to know Kevin
As a happily married, full-time nomad living in a cargo van conversion, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my kids and lovely wife, Abbie, while creating more happiness in the world. I geek out over meditation, yoga, blockchain technology, science, medical research, and economic markets.
Hidden talent: Electric long-board carving skills.
If I were a pasta shape: Rigatoni, because I ate tons of it growing up, I'm strong and can hold my sauce.
Elaina Colussi
Former Secretary, Former Permanent Director
Served as Secretary since the Foundation's formation in 2021. Resigned as Secretary and as a Permanent Director effective January 2, 2026.
Get to know Elaina
I currently live in Oregon after graduating from the University of Oregon in 2019 with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and a minor in Ethnic Studies. I consider Montana home, but I have lived in three other states (and visited 41 others). I spent several years as a copywriter and website project manager before joining Give Basic Needs as the Program Manager. I love to travel, hang out with my cats, play RPGs, and make bread. Someday, I'd like to visit all seven continents. Only five more to go!
Hidden talent: Randomly quoting all sorts of movies and TV shows.
If I were a pasta shape: Farfalle, because I like to have fun!
Secretary — Vacant
Pending Board Election
Following Elaina Colussi's resignation, the Secretary seat has not yet been filled by a validly noticed and voted board election. This page will be updated once that election is recorded in signed minutes.
Luke Colussi
Advisor, Permanent Director
Advises the Board on program strategy and field logistics.
Get to know Luke
I am a new graduate working as a COTA in the rehabilitation field. In my free time, I enjoy building Legos and sand castles, watching Formula 1 and other touring car championships, skiing, and traveling.
Hidden talent: My winged scapula.
If I were a pasta shape: Linguine, because it's the simple things that matter.
Board Structure & Governance Mechanics
The Bylaws establish two director classes: five Permanent Directors, who serve for life absent resignation or permanent incapacity and cannot be removed, and Regular Directors, elected to two-year terms at the Board's Annual Meeting (held the first Friday of June each year). A majority of Directors then in office constitutes a quorum. Conflicts of interest are governed by Bylaws Article 12: an interested Director must disclose the financial interest, leave the room during the Board's determination and vote, and may not participate in deciding a matter in which they have an interest.
Give Basic Needs (Ghana) Leadership
Officers and staff of the operating affiliate. Not Directors of the Colussi Family Foundation.
Benjamin Alagyira
Treasurer, Trustee & Global Compliance Officer (Ghana)
Former U.S. board member who formally resigned to establish an independent fiduciary firewall. Holds sole authority to audit local expenditures, enforce the 4-Point Match, and execute banking disbursements in Ghana.
Get to know Benjamin
I am a digital strategist and operations manager based in Ghana who loves building systems and managing impactful projects. While I really enjoy leading operations, I also have a massive passion for visual storytelling and content creation. I love combining my operational skills with photography and travel to share our mission with the world in creative ways.
I’m always curious and open to learning new things, whether it's low-code tech, media infrastructure, or a new creative skill. When I’m not working on project logistics or building digital frameworks, you’ll probably find me behind the camera, planning my next trip, or learning something new online.
Hidden talent: My photography skills, and maybe even turning a boring meeting room into a photo studio.
If I were a pasta shape: Fusilli, because I’ve got twists, creativity, and I’m great at mixing things up!
Salam Mahamadu
Country Representative & Field Director (Ghana)
Directs on-the-ground operational mobilization, community entry protocols, and field logistics across the Northern Region of Ghana.
Get to know Salam
I am a young visionary individual. I'm business-minded but with a lot of passion for supporting others. Over the years, I have worked with nonprofit projects in executing activities that promote love, compassion, and happiness across my country, Ghana, especially in the Northern region. I founded my own nonprofit educational, entrepreneurial, and charity think tank in 2016 called Centre for Liberty and subsequently aligned my nonprofit objectives with GiveDirect in late 2017, performing all activities, programs, and projects as a community champion for GiveDirect. This provided me the opportunity to reach out to more people, therefore creating more impact.
I am a graduate of the University of Ghana and the University for Development Studies, with a Master's in Business Administration and Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance respectively. I'm passionate about positive change in the lives of rural people.
Hidden talent: Motorbike skills.
If I were a pasta shape: Rotini, because I just go and go!
Warihana Gumah
Global Senior Grant Writer (Ghana)
Translates field data into institutional grant proposals for international funding bodies.
Get to know Warihana
I bring a multidisciplinary background spanning technology, data, and social impact. I hold a degree in Management Information Systems from Ashesi University and an MSc in Data Science, Technology, and Innovation from the University of Edinburgh, which informs my systems-driven approach to problem-solving and impact measurement.
My experience in software engineering and data science has opened opportunities to write and contribute to both small and large grant applications for education, health-adjacent programs, and broader social impact initiatives. I am a strong advocate for community empowerment, with a particular focus on women-led initiatives and underserved communities, especially in Northern Ghana. Outside of work, I enjoy sewing and unwinding with movies and series.
Hidden talent: Fashion design, turning ideas into wearable statements.
If I were a pasta shape: Penne: structured, versatile, dependable, and able to handle complex sauces (and challenges).
Program Staff
Foundation employees who lead program delivery. Not members of the Board of Directors.
Armando Tirre
Director of North American Philanthropy
Oversees the expansion of food security, student nutrition in Mexico, and housing stabilization initiatives across North America.