Dear Friends,
Zen Peacemakers is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Executive Director, Geoff
Shōun O’Keeffe, beginning February 1st. We extend our deepest appreciation and full bows to Rami Efal for his years of dedication and leadership.
Geoff Shōun and Rami will work together through the month of February to achieve a smooth transition.
Geoff Shōun has been practicing in the White Plum lineage for many years. His first introduction to practice was at ZCLA in 1975. He lived and practiced at ZCLA with his family from 1984-’86, studied with Joko Beck in San Diego into the early 90’s and has been a student of Gerry Shishin Wick, Roshi and Roshi Ilia Shinko Perez of Great Mountain Zen Center and Paul Gyodo Agostinelli, Sensei of Eon Zen Center, near Boulder Colorado.
Geoff Shōun has enjoyed a five-decade professional career serving in a variety of executive roles in outdoor industry organizations, both commercial and not-for-profit.
Shōun is a father of three, grandfather of three and lives with his wife Sandy in the mountains outside Boulder, Colorado, USA.
Of this new position, Shōun said:
“I am humbled to take on this new role and to serve the Zen Peacemakers mission, community, legacy and deep vows. I have watched ZPI’s work for years and I am honored to partner with our key leaders and 2,000 members worldwide to engage the Three Tenets and to help us move forward and relieve suffering and confusion. I look forward to meeting volunteers, staff, donors, board members and leaders who keep our spirit vital.”- Geoff Shōun O’Keeffe
In Respect & Gratitude,
Zen Peacemakers International Board of Directors
One Response
Hey Geoff,
As I sit in my 600sq ft apartment in downtown Portland Oregon with my wife of 51 years , I am eating salads, reading Anna Karenina for the first time and sitting meditation . I am also thinking about how you are doing as a new ceo in this tempestuous time. As I’ve mentioned to you, I have assumed ceo roles after significant organizational change preceding my first day.
With Covid 19 and the Protests we are in a “future blur”.
Another reason to stay present
Peace
Bob Allen