Board of Directors

Sang Kwon Jung

President for Social and Economic Development
​Republic of Korea

Jackson Jonathan 'Kofi' Nyarko

President for Advocacy
​Ghana

Anwei Skinsnes Law

President for Heritage and Education
USA

Myungwoong Park

Zoica Bakirtzief

Chair
Brazil
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Jayashree Parasheril Kunju

Vice-Chair
India

Michael Chen

Treasurer
China

Maryse Legault

Director
​Republic of Korea​

Yohanna Abdou

Director
​Niger

Director
​Canada

Staff 

Robert Rund

Executive Director
​USA

Prior to joining IDEA, Robert has led several national and international nonprofit enterprises with special focus on engagement, education, advocacy and philanthropy.  Beyond his executive leadership roles, Robert is the Founder and CEO of R2C2, a consulting firm specializing in organizational strategy, crisis management, and stakeholder engagement. His expertise in navigating pivotal transitions, optimizing operational efficiency, and advancing philanthropic initiatives has positioned him as a trusted advisor to mission-driven organizations.
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Robert holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina – Pembroke, an M.A. in Nonprofit Administration from Goucher College. He was selected as one of 50 nonprofit leaders worldwide for a fellowship at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Additionally, he is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a globally recognized accreditation in philanthropic leadership, and has completed the two-year Authentic Leader program through Contemplative Leadership Development.

Amar Bahador Timalsina

Global Network Coordinator
​Nepal

Amar is the first individual in this role. During his brief tenure, has strengthened the international network of individuals who have experienced Hansen’s disease, which now includes representation from 32 countries and 32 organizations of individuals with personal experience. Amar also facilitates IDEA’s Gatherings/Knowledge Sharing series, held every two weeks for individuals who have had the disease.

Originally from rural Nepal, Amar was diagnosed at age 10 with Hansen’s disease. This resulted in ostracism and discrimination by his classmates and school administrators, leading Amar to contemplate suicide. His parents, who had little money, initially took him to faith healers.
When that was unsuccessful, he was sent to Anandaban Hospital near Kathmandu for treatment, and was ultimately cured. Even after he was cured, Amar continued to experience discrimination. When he first married and his wife’s family learned he had at one time had leprosy, he was forced to divorce her.

Because of his childhood experience, Amar’s goal was to ensure that other children did not experience similar discrimination. He then founded a school in Kathmandu in 2007, which currently serves 400 children from Play Group to Grade 10.

As a young adult, Amar joined IDEA Nepal, later becoming General Secretary and eventually President. Recognized for his wisdom and leadership, he has been tapped to serve in several international advisory capacities including: IDEA Representative, Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy Leadership Team; Board Member, The Leprosy Mission International; and Member, Advisory Panel of Women and Men Affected by Leprosy, International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations.

Amar is married to Mim Kumari and they are the proud parents of Jenny and Bibek.