Leadership in Focus:
A Q&A with Executive Director Ben Engle
We’re proud to introduce Ben Engle as the new Executive Director of Hands Across the Sea. Ben brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, global health, education equity, and community-based systems. Most recently, he has worked to expand food security programs and global access to life-saving therapies.
As he steps into this new role, we want you—our partners, donors, and friends—to get to know the person behind the title. Outgoing Executive Director Amanda Sherlip sat down with Ben for a candid conversation about his background, what inspires him, and what he hopes to bring to this next chapter of our shared mission.
Amanda: Hi Ben. It’s wonderful to have the chance to sit down with you for a proper chat. From our very first meeting and throughout this transition, it has been a real pleasure getting to know you –not just as a professional, but as a person. I’m excited for our community to do the same, and to hear more about the values and vision you bring to this chapter of Hands Across the Sea.
Ben: Thank you, Amanda. That truly means a lot. It’s been a joy working with you and getting to know the organization more during this transition. I’ve felt incredibly welcomed and well supported. I’m excited for what lies ahead and grateful for the strong foundation that’s been built. I look forward to working closely with our partners and communities to keep advancing the mission in meaningful ways.
A: Let’s start with what everyone’s curious about – what drew you to Hands Across the Sea and its mission?
B: Great question. I’ve spent my career in mission-driven roles, from food access to rare disease advocacy, and what has always fueled me is the chance to create systems that help people thrive. When I learned about Hands Across the Sea, I was immediately drawn to the simplicity and power of its mission: providing books and literacy support to children who need them most. Literacy is foundational—it unlocks opportunity, independence, and voice. The impact Hands has had across the Caribbean is both inspiring and humbling, and I feel honored to now be part of its story.
A: You bring a thoughtful range of experience to this role. Looking back, what parts of your career feel most foundational to this transition?
B: That’s something I’ve thought about a lot. I started my nonprofit career in rare disease and ALS advocacy, where I led large-scale fundraising programs, built global partnerships, and coordinated complex logistics for community-driven events. More recently, I helped grow a food security nonprofit through a period of explosive demand, and then worked in biotech helping patients around the world gain access to cutting-edge therapies. Across all of these roles, I’ve built programs from the ground up, scaled operations, and worked closely with community stakeholders. I bring with me a mix of entrepreneurial spirit and operational discipline that I believe will serve Hands Across the Sea well as we look to deepen our impact.
A: What does literacy mean to you, personally and professionally?
B: Personally, reading has always been a doorway for me—from understanding the world as a kid growing up in New England, to building a career grounded in learning, communication, and service. Now, as a father to two young daughters, ages 3 and 5, it’s taken on an even deeper meaning. I read to them every single day. It’s one of the most joyful parts of my life—sharing stories, watching their imaginations spark, and helping them discover language, empathy, and curiosity through books.
Professionally, I see literacy as one of the most powerful tools for equity. When a child can read, they can dream, advocate, and navigate the world. That’s part of why I’ve been so involved in my community, including serving on the board of Ashmont Nursery School, where I help ensure we’re creating a nurturing environment that supports children of all backgrounds. I believe that every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserves access to books and the opportunity to fall in love with reading. It’s the foundation upon which opportunity is built, and it’s what makes this work so profoundly important.
A: What are your first impressions of the organization and its impact so far?
B: Honestly, I’ve been really impressed. Hands Across the Sea is lean, deeply mission-focused, and incredibly effective. The Literacy Links, with your leadership and support, have built strong relationships and programs with schools and communities, and the results speak for themselves—thousands of children with access to books and literacy support who might otherwise go without. I’m struck by the integrity of the work and the deep respect the organization has earned from its partners.
A: With that lens, how do you see your leadership style contributing to this next phase of Hands Across the Sea?
B: That’s something I care deeply about. I lead with curiosity, transparency, and a deep respect for the people doing the work on the ground. I also bring a systems mindset—looking for ways we can scale thoughtfully, build sustainable processes, and use data to make informed decisions. I hope to foster a collaborative culture where staff, donors, educators, and children feel seen, heard, and empowered.
A: And looking ahead, what are your top priorities for these early days?
B: Listening, learning, and building relationships. I want to understand the heart of the organization—from the perspectives of staff, board members, community partners, and the educators we serve. I’ll also be looking closely at our operations and development strategies to identify opportunities to strengthen our infrastructure and prepare for future growth.
A: Hands is deeply rooted in communities across diverse island nations, each with its own rich culture, context, strengths, and priorities. How do you approach leadership across varied cultural settings with sensitivity and effectiveness?
B: That’s such an important question. I’ve learned that effective cross-cultural leadership starts with humility—recognizing that I’m not the expert in anyone else’s experience. Whether working with people living with rare disease and their families across borders or collaborating on food justice initiatives in Greater Boston, I’ve seen the power of listening first, showing up consistently, and letting trust build through shared work. I aim to be a supportive partner, staying grounded in curiosity, being open to correction, and understanding that real collaboration often takes more time and care than quick fixes allow.
At Hands Across the Sea, I see the Literacy Links as cultural bridges and essential community leaders. My role is to amplify their insights, advocate for their needs, and help remove barriers so they can do their work with autonomy and impact. I don’t come with all the answers but I do come with respect for the strengths already present and a commitment to supporting solutions that grow from within.
A: What are you most curious to learn from the team, our partners, and the communities we serve?
B: There’s so much I’m eager to learn. I want to understand the lived experiences behind the numbers—how our books are used, what literacy looks like in different communities, and what educators and students need most. I’m also looking forward to learning how the team has maintained such a high level of impact with a relatively small team—it’s clearly a place where passion meets precision.
A: Shifting gears, what is one book that’s left a lasting mark on you?
B: One book that really stands out to me is Salt by Mark Kurlansky. I really love food history and this book is the story of how this one everyday staple shaped courses of human history: fueling empires, creating trade routes, even starting wars. What’s fascinating is how something so simple that we take for granted in our everyday lives turns out to be central to so many complex systems. It’s a great reminder that small things can have an outsized impact, and that looking deeper often reveals connections that really matter.
A: Outside of work, what keeps you grounded or inspired?
B: Spending time with my family, cooking, gardening, and hiking all keep me grounded. I also love being involved in my community—whether through my volunteer work at my community school or just being an engaged neighbor. Those everyday connections remind me why I do this work.
A: Ben, thank you for taking the time to share more about yourself and your vision. I know our community will appreciate the chance to hear directly from you, and I’m confident this marks the beginning of a strong and thoughtful next chapter for Hands.
B: Thanks again, Amanda. I’m honored to be part of this era of Hands and deeply appreciative of the trust being placed in me. I’m excited for the work ahead -and even more so for the impact we’ll continue to make together.
