We are happy to share a recent update from the FPMT Inc. Board of Directors. They share many important insights into their current work and priorities, and we would like to bring your attention to a particular opportunity—the recruitment of an Executive Director for FPMT International Office. The deadline for applications has been extended to October 31, so if you are an interested and suitable candidate for this position, we would love to hear from you! A link to details and the job description can be found below.

“I am very very happy that everyone is united together, in unity working for sentient beings and the teaching of Buddha, so I’m very, very happy, I want to express that. That’s very important for success. So the success of the organization, the cause, establishing happiness, peace for sentient beings, spreading Dharma, has come from many people’s effort; has come from all of your effort, your will, your compassion, your devotion.”

—Lama Zopa Rinpoche, CPMT Meeting, 2004

Dear Friends,

An “update” should be exactly what the word suggests—it should be a source of information that brings one’s knowledge and understanding of a situation up to date.  In this update we hope to give you more of both knowledge and understanding of the work that this Board is doing on some key areas touched on at the CPMT Summit at Kopan in April 2025.

Although the following paragraphs will give a brief review of what the Summit was and why it was held, more information about this historic gathering can be found on the FPMT website. This special meeting brought together 195 members of the worldwide FPMT family comprised of center directors, board members, spiritual program coordinators, regional and national coordinators, senior students and ordained sangha (non-Himalayan and Himalayan), along with International Office staff and the FPMT Inc. Board of Directors. It was significant that we were together at Kopan, at the very heart of the FPMT organization. This is where Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche founded the organization and we were aware that we were also in the presence of the kudung (holy body) of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. That realization gave extra depth to the meeting. It was not just congenial but also inspirational, giving a strong awareness that we are working together to make our Lamas’ visions a reality.

Strategic Plan for the Coming Years

One of the main aims of the CPMT Summit was to use the work done there to inform the creation of a Strategic Plan for the FPMT organization for the coming years. The sessions were coherently planned to enable our shared productivity. During the many discussions, work sessions, and presentations, a huge amount of valuable input was generated.

The combined input we’ve collated from all our interactions means the Strategic Plan will be a co-creation reflecting, and based on, the collective wisdom, experience and wishes of those representing FPMT centers, projects, and services.

Some action items were presented at the meeting and are clear, others still need a lot of attention before taking them forward. Based on topics discussed both at regional consultations leading up to the CPMT meeting and interest shown at the Summit, a joint Board-International Office team was formed. This team is working on ways to foster international communication, cooperation, and collaboration which we feel is of major importance to us all.

For instance, we are preparing a virtual workspace. There, FPMT directors, spiritual program coordinators, board members and teachers will be able to access information from the Summit that is relevant to them, even if they did not attend the meeting in person.

All this work will help guide the next phase for FPMT’s global family.

Looking for a Strategic Planner

Because we aim to do this well, we are actively looking for someone who understands and has experience in the process of designing a strategic plan. S/he would help to integrate the content generated at the Summit in the plan and work with the Executive Director to structure its implementation and its monitoring. Preferably, s/he will be a person who knows the FPMT well.  At the moment, we are speaking with a number of qualified people and hope to soon be able to introduce you to the person who will coordinate and guide this process.

An Executive Director (ED) for the FPMT International Office (IOF)

During the leadership sessions at the CPMT Summit, the Board mentioned the intention of looking for more people to help the organization on multiple levels. One such position is the Executive Director (ED) of the International Office, which is new to the organization and we expect will be filled by early next year.

For the past 22 years, the work of an ED for the Office has been done by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ven. Roger Kunsang. In the past two years, he has been assisted by the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Francois Lecointre. Both did this work while fulfilling their many other responsibilities.

The ED will have a major role in implementing the strategic plan for the whole organization that is still in the process of being developed.

Recently, a call for suggested candidates for the post of Executive Director of the IOF has gone out through the FPMT e-news and other channels and applications are already being received. For a job description and further information please see the FPMT website. Please note, we will now be accepting applications through October 31, 2025, to allow for wider circulation.

We expect that having an ED in place will free Ven. Roger Kunsang from much of the work at the IOF so he can dedicate more time to committed projects related to Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche and his legacy. This, along with the FPMT Inc. Board responsibilities and other important tasks, will ensure that his broad knowledge and experience will remain with us for a long time to come.

Looking for Candidates to Join the FPMT Board of Directors

One of the other things mentioned at the Summit was our wish for some new members on this board of directors. Following the suggestion of our advisors, we have waited to add new people to the Board until the transition period after the passing of Lama Zopa Rinpoche has largely passed.  Certainly, since the CPMT Summit there is a feeling that the transition period is moving into a time of more stability. Therefore, we are taking steps to look for recommendations for new board members by contacting our regional and national coordinators, directors of our affiliates and other dedicated students.  At present, we are six board members, and the idea is to gradually increase the number to nine.  So, over the next year or two we expect to include three new board members, and the gradual expansion will provide continuity as present members move on. This process is just starting and we will keep you updated. 

Looking Toward the Future

Having a strategic plan in place and operational and finding the right people for key positions in the organization are important steps forward for all of us. The FPMT organization started and flourished organically, and as it continues to grow, it must mature to meet the challenges of this modern world. We are fortunate and honored that we are under the spiritual wings of so many accomplished beings and can work together with talented and committed staff and volunteers from all over the world. We intend to keep you posted on the progress made and thank you for your continued support in helping the Buddhadharma evolve from words on a page to a way of life that benefits all sentient beings.

All best wishes,

The FPMT Inc. Board of Directors:
Khenrinpoche Geshe Chonyi
Ven. Pemba Sherpa
Ven. Roger Kunsang
Karuna Cayton
Dale Davis
Paula de Wys