CO-FOUNDER, PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Metodija A. Koloski is the Senior Development Officer at Freedom House, the world’s leading pro-democracy organization. He is also the Co-Founder and former President of the United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD), a global organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., where he served as President for 13 years and currently sits on its Board of Directors.
During his tenure at UMD, Koloski demonstrated exceptional executive and strategic leadership, building the organization from the ground up, securing over $10 million in grants and contributions, and cultivating lasting donor, corporate, and foundation relationships. He spearheaded Board recruitment and engagement, ensuring effective governance and mission alignment.
A recognized expert on Macedonia’s right to its name, NATO/EU enlargement, and minority rights in Southeast Europe, Koloski led successful campaigns advocating for the region’s integration into NATO and the EU. He has twice testified before the U.S. Congress on increasing foreign aid to Southeast Europe and was instrumental in establishing the Congressional Macedonian Caucus, recruiting 37 Members of Congress. He also spearheaded delegations that met with world leaders, including presidents and prime ministers, amplifying Southeast European priorities on the global stage.
Koloski’s insights have been featured in leading national and international outlets, including The Washington Post, The Washington Times, Voice of America, National Post, Toronto Star, Congressional Quarterly, and Emerging Europe. Fluent in Macedonian, he proudly serves on the Board of the Macedonian Language E-Learning Center and champions initiatives that preserve Macedonian heritage and culture worldwide.
A highly effective communicator and event strategist, Koloski has successfully organized four major international conferences, over 20 fundraising galas, and multiple advocacy campaigns, driving audience growth and engagement. His leadership has raised $1+ million for educational programs and over $1.5 million for humanitarian aid, ensuring a tangible, lasting impact for Macedonians.
Koloski has held prior roles at the Foreign Policy Association, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and DLA Piper LLP. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Relations from Manhattanville College.
The son of immigrants who fled communist Yugoslavia’s anti-democratic policies in the 1950s, Koloski was born and raised in Garfield, New Jersey. He proudly traces his roots to the Republic of Macedonia, Aegean Macedonia (present-day Northern Greece), and Korça, Albania.
