Cecilia Ciepiela-Kaelin

Cecilia Ciepiela-Kaelin is an accomplished international development leader with over 30 years of experience creating innovative strategies and partnerships that advance sustainable, inclusive economic growth. Her career spans leadership roles as a USAID official, Fortune 500 executive, small business owner, and independent consultant, with deep expertise in economic development, climate resilience, trade and investment, and stakeholder engagement across complex global contexts. She has demonstrated ability to deliver measurable financial and development outcomes while managing complex stakeholder relationships across public, private, and multilateral institutions.

Throughout her distinguished career with USAID, Cecilia served in five missions—Albania, Barbados, Iraq, Russia, and Yemen—where she designed and managed over $230 million in programs. Her roles included Private Sector Officer, Division Chief, and Acting Office Director, leading everything from program assessment and design through implementation, evaluation, and closeout. She has served on federal interagency policy groups working with the National Security Council, Treasury, State Department, and Congressional Committees.

As Vice President for Economic Growth at AECOM International, Cecilia managed a $120 million portfolio with over 100 staff across Colombia, Central Asia, Iraq, and Sri Lanka. At Creative Associates, she oversaw, mentored, and guided the project team for the $140 million West Africa Trade & Investment Hub, pioneering approaches to export promotion through co-investment and blended finance. Over the course of her career, she has structured and managed over $600 million in sustainable development investments across 20+ countries.

Cecilia brings specialized knowledge in climate resilience, energy transition, and sustainability standards. She holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Urban Planning and Climate Change from George Washington University, a Master’s in International Affairs from Columbia University, and is certified in Climate Finance and Sustainable Investing by the CFA Institute. 

Beyond her professional work, Cecilia is deeply engaged in community service, having served as Chair of Arlington Public Schools’ Budget Advisory Council, volunteered with the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps during COVID-19, and worked as an international election observer with the OSCE. An NCAA All-American swimmer and national champion, she brings dedication and teamwork to driving meaningful development impact worldwide.

Cecilia started Blue Earth Talent to leverage her knowledge, experience, and networks to nurture and grow sustainability talent to support companies committed to positive environmental and social impact. Her unique strength is bridging the gap between climate science, development impact, and financial performance—essential for institutions integrating ESG criteria, pursuing sustainable investment strategies, or seeking emerging market opportunities in climate and sustainability sectors. Cecilia Ciepiela-Kaelin prides herself on being not only an executive recruiter focused on engaging talent but also an industry expert dedicated to client objectives and continuous growth.

  1. Talent Management: Direct experience managing 100+ professionals and building multidisciplinary teams
  2. Deep Sustainability Expertise: 20+ years in climate/sustainability with advanced degrees and certifications
  3. Vast Network: Connections across USAID, multilateral organizations, private sector, and government
  4. Understanding Client Needs: Designed and procured $230M+ in programs, knowing exactly what expertise organizations need
  5. Business Development: Built and ran her own consulting company (AISD) successfully
  6. Cross Cultural Competency: Experience in 20+ countries with language skills
  7. Track record of identifying market opportunities and niches