Joanna Block is a highly respected senior executive in the international development sector, overseeing Valar’s multinational operations, human resources, finance, and administration. As COO, she ensures that the company’s operations align with both internal standards and client expectations.

Before founding Valar, Joanna served as CEO of Kiron Global Strategies, where she led the development, coordination, and monitoring of global programs for major stakeholders including the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), USAID, Department of Defense, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

Her career has focused on areas including political and economic stabilization, local economic development, and security sector reform, where she has successfully managed high-stakes projects in challenging environments.