Douglas La Rose, Executive Director

Douglas La Rose is an international development leader, anthropologist, and trade advocate with more than 20 years of experience advancing agriculture, market systems, and global value chains across Africa, the Pacific, Europe, and the United States.

Since joining the Kava Coalition as Executive Director in 2025, Douglas has led efforts to advance the responsible growth of the kava industry through education, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. He works closely with Pacific Island governments, industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to strengthen quality standards, expand market opportunities, and promote greater recognition of kava's cultural, economic, and wellness value.