GENEVA – The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chair and vice Chairs, and nomination of Sarah Cliffe as Chair emeritus

Gwen Boniface has been appointed as the new Chair of the global GI-TOC Board. With her extensive experience and dedication to our mission, we are excited to see the fresh perspectives and direction she will bring to our organization.

We are also pleased to introduce Kristin Kvigne and Nick Lewis as our new vice Chairs. Their impressive professional backgrounds and expertise will provide invaluable support and strategic guidance as we advance our goal in line with the GI-TOC strategy.

Our deepest gratitude goes to Sarah Cliffe, who has transitioned to the role of Chair emeritus. Sarah’s exceptional leadership over the last ten years has been pivotal in shaping our success and growth. We are honoured to continue benefiting from her insights and experience in this new role.

Gwen Boniface has been actively involved in justice, policing and human rights since the beginning of her career. She served in Canadian policing for over three decades, a period during which she served as the first female Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police, a role that she held for eight years. From 2010 to 2012, she was the Transnational Crime Expert for the United Nations Police Division. Given her long-standing expertise in the field of policing and justice issues at the domestic and international level, and her dedicated efforts to address human trafficking and the opioid crisis throughout her career, Gwen’s dedication to equity and commitment to justice make her an amply qualified and inspiring Chair for the Board.

On accepting her appointment, Gwen said she was deeply grateful and enthusiastic for the opportunity: ‘I am honoured to take on the role of Chair and excited about the journey ahead. Our organization has achieved remarkable milestones, and I am committed to building on this momentum. Together with our new vice Chairs and the exceptional team, I am confident that we will drive impactful change and advance our mission. I look forward to collaborating with all our stakeholders to continue delivering on our goals and making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.’

As Sarah Cliffe takes up the role of Chair emeritus, she reflected on her tenure with a sense of pride and gratitude: ‘It has been a profound privilege to serve as Chair, and I am deeply honoured to step into the role of Chair emeritus. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together and excited about the future with our new Chair and vice Chairs. While my role may be changing, my commitment to our mission remains steadfast. I look forward to continuing to support the organization and witness its ongoing success and impact.’

GI-TOC Director Mark Shaw said: ‘We are thrilled about the new leadership team at the Board. Gwen’s vision and Kristin and Nick’s expertise will propel us forward. At the same time, we are immensely grateful to Sarah for her outstanding contributions. Her continued support as Chair emeritus will be a great asset to us.’

About the GI-TOC

The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime is a global organization with a 700+ Network of Experts around the world. The GI-TOC provides a platform to promote greater debate and innovative approaches as the building blocks to an inclusive global strategy against organized crime. 

The GI-TOC Board provides strategic oversight and management of the organization, steering advisory functions and ensuring fiduciary control. With currently 12 members, the Board has been appointed in stages as the work of the GI-TOC has grown since 2013, when the organization was founded.

www. globalinitiative.net