Title: Chief Executive Officer
Company: International Center of Kentucky
Location: Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States
Dr. Albert Mbanfu, chief executive officer at the International Center of Kentucky, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in executive management.
With nearly three decades of experience to his credit, Dr. Mbanfu has established a successful career in executive management, specializing in project and human resource management, as well as program design, implementation, and professional development. He currently serves as the executive director and chief executive officer of The International Center of Kentucky, a position he has held since 2013. The International Center of Kentucky is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting refugees and immigrants in resettling and integrating into their communities by providing essential support services, educational programs, and advocacy. With a focus on empowerment and self-sufficiency, the center helps individuals and families navigate cultural, educational, and economic challenges as they transition to life in the United States.
Dr. Mbanfu’s prior roles include program manager at Lutheran Services of Georgia Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of services to individuals and families in need, including refugee resettlement, foster care, adoption, disaster response, and services for people with disabilities, from 2011 to 2013 and employment coordinator at the International Rescue Committee, a global humanitarian organization dedicated to helping people whose lives have been disrupted by conflict and disaster, providing emergency relief, resettlement assistance, and long-term support for refugees and displaced persons, from 2006 to 2011.
Laying a solid educational foundation, Dr. Mbanfu earned a bachelor’s degree in English in Cameroon, a master’s degree in diplomacy with a specialization in international conflict management from Norwich University School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, and a Doctor of Education in leadership of professional practice from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2023. He also holds a certification in management essentials from Harvard Business School Online.
Reflecting on his career, Dr. Mbanfu has made a significant impact by facilitating the settlement of a growing number of refugees in the area and empowering them to become self-sufficient for themselves and their families. When he joined the agency, the staff numbered fewer than 25, but under his leadership, it has expanded to 55. In recognition of his impressive undertakings, he has received awards such as the Food Equity Award from the Community Farmers Market and a Leadership Award. He attributes his success to the valuable lessons instilled by his father from a young age, emphasizing humility, compassion, empathy, and serving others whenever possible, and the support of his wife and children.
In the coming years, Dr. Mbanfu envisions expanding the center to additional cities within and beyond Kentucky, with the goal of facilitating the resettlement of a larger number of refugees in the country. He plans to operate a new refugee assessment office in Indiana, increase his staff, and expand the center’s programs. He hopes for the agency to serve as a “lighthouse” for the community, offering guidance and support. He advises aspiring professionals to embrace humility, empathy, and patience. He emphasizes the importance of talking less, listening more, and setting achievable goals. In his free time, he enjoys watching the news, spending time with family, reading, and traveling.
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