Country Director, Mac Edward Abbey

Mac Edward Abbey, Plan Egypt's Country Director.

Plan Egypt’s programmes are managed by a team of highly committed development professionals. Edward “Mac” Abbey leads the team.

With 30 years of experience in international development, focusing on empowerment of the poor and marginalised, Mac has been working with Plan since 1982. He started in Colombia and has been posted to 8 Plan countries.

Mac started a career in public education in the United States, but moved to development when he was a Peace Corps volunteer in Colombia and learned about Plan.

His focus has been on defining the role of Plan to promote community solidarity and participation for all, especially the poorest. With a focus on children, Plan Egypt helps communities to work collectively so that they can improve the opportunities and lives of all.

Mac has inspired commitment from staff to address poverty and injustices of children and their families. He is an expert in participatory programme design that transforms power relations within communities and increases control by marginalised groups over national institutions. 

He holds a master’s degree in education in school administration, a master’s degree in early childhood education, curriculum development, and a bachelor’s degree in English and psychology.

Other members of the country management team

• Dalia El-Sakka, People and Culture Manager
• Hamdi Qenawi, Programme Support Manager
• Ayman Sadek, Upper Egypt Area Manager
• Hosam Hassan, Alex and Baheira Area Manager
• Muhamed Yasin, Cairo Area Manager
• Philip Taylor, Finance Manager
• Virginia Saiz, Sponsorship and Grants Manager