Joni Lawrence is deputy director for the Mectizan Donation Program (MDP) responsible for communications, advocacy, partnerships, and management of MDP operations. Joni joined MDP in 1998 and has served in roles of increasing responsibility. As a senior team member, she works closely with the director on strategic planning and budgeting, program development, and advocacy strategies to garner support and political will for river blindness (onchocerciasis) and lymphatic filariasis elimination.
Prior to joining MDP, Joni worked for The Carter Center, where she helped launch the River Blindness Program.
Joni holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations from Georgia Southern University and a master’s degree in communication from Johns Hopkins University.