Sam grew up in Baltimore and went to Cornell University to study engineering. He received a Master of Science in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering in 1966 and joined the Applied Mathematics group in Esso (Exxon) Research and Engineering. Over a career of nearly 40 years, he had significant overseas exposure in staff, line and management positions. His last assignments were: Managing Director Marketing in Japan, Downstream (Marketing, Transportation, Supply and Refining) Vice President in Norway Corporate, contact Director for Exxon Affiliate in Finland, Project Executive for worldwide project based inf Belgium and ExxonMobil European Regional Director, Fuels Marketing. During his career he had extensive experience developing and implementing successful strategies and leading multi-national teams.
After retiring in 2003, he came back to Baltimore and has remained active serving on a number of non-profit boards. Sam joined the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs in 2004 and was invited to the Board and Executive Committee in 2005. He currently serves as Treasurer. Other current Board positions include: Stevenson University, Chair of the Board Academic Affairs Committee and Board of Governors Baltimore Branch of the International Wine and Food Society.
Sam and his wife, Muffin, reside in Butler Maryland. He is the proud father of one daughter and two sons (who predeceased him), eight grandsons; the oldest of whom is serving in the USAF as an F-16 pilot and the youngest will enter high school in 2024.
Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!
At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.
The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.
Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.
It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.
