Okechukwu Umelo

As Communications Director, Okechukwu (Okey) leads communications and marketing strategies to promote Confluence Philanthropy’s brand and amplify members’ voices.

Okey has over 20 years of experience delivering strategic and impactful marketing and communications, spanning international development and sustainability. This includes working with international nonprofits, multilateral organizations, and mission-driven companies promoting sustainable development and values-aligned investing.

His work has enhanced the positioning and visibility of multi-million-dollar programs, driven organizational change, transformed stakeholder engagement and advocacy, increased media coverage, mobilized funding, and established new partnerships with prominent organizations.

Before joining Confluence Philanthropy, Okey led people, culture, and employer branding communications at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). At the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), he led media and communications for the UNOPS-hosted Global Sanitation Fund, a multi-partner trust fund and arm of the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council. His work helped transform evidence-based advocacy for 13 country programs, mobilize a global membership base of over 3,600 champions, and establish partnerships with mission-driven organizations.

Okey is passionate about utilizing strategic communications to engage people and mobilize social and sustainable change. A trained journalist and graphic designer, Okey holds an M.A. in Media Culture, an international MBA, and a B.A. in Studio Art from Michigan State University. He has lived in nine countries and has a working knowledge of French. Outside of work, he enjoys creating art, playing the piano, and exploring the world with his wife.