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Illuminating the work of the world's civil society organisations

Founding Board

We have had the privilege to work with several key individuals in the establishment of GuideStar International. Please find the founding board members listed below.


William M. Dietel
Bill Dietel Mr. Dietel is a retired President of Rockefeller Brothers Fund and played an instrumental role in the formation of both GuideStar in the U.S. and the U.K.


Buzz Schmidt
Buzz Schmidt Mr. Schmidt is the founder of the GuideStar systems in the United States and the United Kingdom. Following the success of these systems, he founded and leads GuideStar International.


Dr. Virginia Hodgkinson
Virginia Hodgkinson 05 Ms. Hodgkinson is a Georgetown University professor and leading non profit sector researcher. She is also a board member of GuideStar in the United States and played a criticial role in the development of the U.S. service.

Lady Hilary Browne-Wilkinson
Ms. Browne-Wilkinson founded and led the London-based Institute for Philanthropy and has been central to the formation of GuideStar UK.