Mary Porter Peschka

Mary Porter Peschka is IFC’s Division Director for Eastern Africa, based in Nairobi, Kenya. In this role, she harnesses IFC’s private sector expertise to advance World Bank Group goals on job creation, underpinned by critical priorities such as expanding access to electricity, strengthening food security, and creating economic opportunities for more people. Working in close collaboration with the World Bank and MIGA, she leads efforts to mobilize investment, drive sustainable development, and forge partnerships with governments, businesses, and development actors across the sub‑region.

Mary, a United States national, joined IFC in 2004. Prior to her current role at IFC, Mary served as Director of the Sustainability & Gender Solutions Department, and Director of the Global Advisory Solutions Department. She also previously served as Regional Head of Advisory Services in Latin America & the Caribbean, and Regional Head of Sustainable Business Advisory in the Middle East & North Africa. Before joining IFC, Mary held various positions in the public and private sectors, including Market Access International, an economic development consulting firm; St. Genevieve Group, a group of international mining companies; and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Mary holds a BA from George Washington University, an MSc from the London School of Economics, and an MBA from the University of Oxford.