Carol Vipperman

Change Agent, Connector, Idea generator, Marketer, Photographer, Promoter

Carol Vipperman is the founder and president of the Foundation for Russian American Economic Cooperation, (FRAEC). FRAEC is one of the oldest organizations with a mission of fostering economic and community ties between the United States and Russia. In 1989 under Carol’s leadership, FRAEC began with an initial investment of $400 and one staff person and now operates an annual budget of over $2 million and employs over 12 staff in its Seattle, Washington and Sakhalin Island, Russia offices. Early activities focused primarily on garnering interest and support from political and community leaders in both countries to build business and economic inroads. FRAEC, under Carol’s leadership, has established an excellent reputation enabling the Foundation to administer various programs toward achieving its mission. More than 350 Russian delegates have been trained in various fields since 1995. The Washington – Sakhalin Law Enforcement Partnership has provided officers the opportunity to train with their overseas partners. The Foundation continues its work as the Executive Secretariat for the Russian American Pacific Partnership, leading efforts to shape and facilitate solutions to trade obstacles between the Russian Far East and U.S. West Coast. The US-RFE Partnership Activity, implemented by the Foundation, has supported over 65 partnerships between NGO’s in the US and in the RFE improving the quality of life for many communities. And now FRAEC is facilitating municipal partnerships between the Russian Far East and the states of Washington and Alaska. In addition, FRAEC participated in the Nuclear Cities Initiative (NCI) by creating two independent NGO’s in two of the closed cities to promote business development and job creation in Russia’s closed nuclear cities. Prior to starting the FRAEC, Carol operated her own successful business as a Marketing and Training Consultant conducting training courses in marketing, customer service and sales for organizations throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. She is the author of two books – Marketing Your Service and Professional Selling, both published by Self-Counsel Press. Carol is a native of the state of Washington and a graduate of the University of Washington, with a B.A. degree in Far Eastern and Slavic Studies, with an area study of Russia. Carol’s entrepreneurial ability and skills developed in working with businesses in transition, consulting on issues of management and increased productivity has translated now into her work with economies and organizations in transition. Her commitment to FRAEC’s mission and vision continues to attract talented entrepreneurial staff dedicated to making a difference. Carol’s prejudice for success and results, her insistence on quality and professionalism, and ability to develop and maintain contacts in both countries has permeated FRAEC’s culture.

Making a difference, empowering people, and working to build a more secure world in cooperation with Russia.

Nonprofit management, Speaking, Presentations, US-Russian Relations