It is with deep sadness that Partners for Development (PfD) remembers Charles “Charlie” Sykes, a treasured member of our Board of Trustees and a remarkable humanitarian whose wisdom, leadership, and commitment to service left an enduring mark on our organization.

Charlie passed away on May 8, 2026, at the age of 92. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service, having devoted more than three decades of his professional life to CARE and later serving Partners for Development for more than ten years, as Treasurer, Chair, and Trustee. (World Hunger)

For PfD, Charlie was much more than a member of the Board. He was a thoughtful steward of the organization during some of its most important and formative years. He brought to the Board a wealth of international development experience, but perhaps more importantly, he brought curiosity, patience, humility, and an ability to ask the questions that helped us think beyond the immediate.

Charlie had a gift for creating space for meaningful conversations. He led and participated in intensive, multi-day strategy discussions that challenged PfD to look ahead and consider where the organization could have the greatest impact. Among these were conversations about how PfD could deepen its involvement in areas such as livestock and health discussions that encouraged the organization to explore new opportunities while remaining grounded in its mission and strategic direction.

Charlie during PfD Board Meeting.

His approach to leadership was distinctive. He understood the importance of providing guidance without becoming involved in the day-to-day operations of the organization. He trusted the people doing the work, while ensuring that PfD remained faithful to its mission and its broader strategic vision. This balance earned him the respect and confidence of his fellow trustees and colleagues. (World Hunger)

Those who knew Charlie remember not only his considerable experience, but the person behind it. He was warm, approachable, intellectually curious, and deeply interested in people. He listened patiently and with genuine empathy. He had a remarkable ability to make people feel heard, valued, and understood. (World Hunger)

His commitment to humanitarian work was shaped by a lifetime of service. During his long career with CARE, Charlie held senior leadership positions across several countries and became a leading advocate for food aid and programs addressing hunger and poverty. He later served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the U.S. Department of State, bringing his experience and conviction to the service of people around the world. (World Hunger)

At PfD, that same commitment was evident in the way he engaged with our work. He believed in thoughtful strategy, meaningful partnerships, and development that responded to the realities and aspirations of the communities being served.

We are grateful for the years Charlie gave to Partners for Development, for his leadership, his counsel, his questions, his encouragement, and the countless conversations that helped shape the organization we are today.

His legacy lives not only in the programs and strategies he helped guide, but also in the people he influenced and the values he embodied: service without ego, leadership with humility, curiosity about the world, and an unwavering belief in the possibility of making a difference.

We extend our deepest condolences to Charlie’s wife, Anya, his children, Agnieszka and Chris, his grandchildren, Sasha, Coline, Lazlo, and Marek, and to all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

May his memory continue to inspire all of us at Partners for Development to lead with wisdom, serve with humility, and remain committed to building a better world.

Rest in peace, Charlie. Your legacy will remain a part of PfD.