By: Alphanso G. Kalama,
Email: alphansokalama@gmail.com
Mr. Sam Kamara Zinnah, the current deputy to President Boakai in Gbarpolu County is a distinguished Program Specialist with extensive expertise in managing personnel, facilities, and projects across both developed and developing nations. His career is marked by a strong focus on results-oriented project management and a deep understanding of community development, humanitarian relief, and gender development programs. Sam’s work spans a range of sectors including governmental, non-governmental, and community-based organizations.
Sam is currently advancing his education by pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Wilmington University in Delaware, where he has completed 28 out of 36 credit hours. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Springfield College of Human Services in Delaware State, earned in 2006. In addition, Sam has completed a Certificate from the Delaware State Law Enforcement Academy (2007), a Diploma in Shipping Management from the Institute of Export and Shipping Management in Ghana (1997), and a Certificate in Advanced PC Applications from the National Institute of Information Technology in Ghana (2001). His foundational education includes a High School Diploma from Buduburam Senior Secondary School in Ghana (1997).
Throughout his career, Sam has developed a rich portfolio of expertise. His work has involved managing human services projects, community development, and gender empowerment programs, particularly in developing countries. He has demonstrated proficiency in grant management, staff development, and advocacy. Sam’s experience includes conducting social needs assessments, managing financial resources, and coordinating with local NGOs. His skills also extend to data management, program development, and conference organization.
Sam’s professional experience is diverse and significant. As Chairman of the Gbarpolu County Project Management Committee (PMC), he presided over projects funded by County Development Funds, ensuring compliance with Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) guidelines and achieving value for public money. In his role as a Consultant for Liberia Anti-Corruption in Monrovia, he conducted forensic reviews and interviews to investigate breaches of confidentiality, providing detailed reports and recommendations based on his findings.
From May 2013 to December 2014, Sam served as Chief of Office Staff for the House of Senate in the Republic of Liberia. In this role, he acted as a key policy advisor, managing the activities and staff of the Senator’s office, and overseeing budgetary and external communications. His previous experience as a Marketing Manager at 5linx/Global Linx in Clayton, Delaware, involved researching markets and competitors, and developing investment opportunity reports.
Sam’s background in law enforcement includes serving as a Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Delaware, where he was trained as a cyber-crime investigator and supervised inmate activities in a correctional facility. His roles as a Residential Program Professional at Chimes Delaware and a Residential Counselor at Melmark, Inc. involved supervising staff, managing programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, and ensuring program transparency and accountability.
Sam’s commitment to humanitarian work is evident through his volunteer efforts. He played a key role with the World Food Program in Ghana, providing leadership and technical support at the Sekondi refugee camp. At the Sanzulee Refugee Camp, he developed and coordinated capacity-building and youth programs for Liberian refugees. His work with Catholic Relief Services involved assisting in the delivery of relief food items and conducting population censuses in displaced camps in Liberia.
In addition to his professional and volunteer work, Sam has contributed to various community and professional organizations. He served as the Secretary of the Liberian Students Association in the United States (2006-2008), President of the Gbarpolu County Association in the United States (2007-2013), and Editor for Post-Conflict Liberia (2006-present). He was also a member of the editorial board for the Nordic Africa Online News Magazine (2009-2013).
Sam K. Zinnah’s career reflects
Sam K. Zinnah’s career reflects a dedicated commitment to managing and implementing complex programs and projects. His extensive experience across various sectors demonstrates his capability in achieving impactful results in both humanitarian and community-based initiatives. With a solid educational foundation and diverse professional background, Sam stands out as a highly skilled and versatile Program Specialist, adept at navigating the challenges of both developed and developing environments. His strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to excellence continue to drive his successful contributions to the field.
