Inside GS-F

Effective 1 March 2026, the GS-Foundation has expanded its management team: Michael Schemke has taken on the role of second managing director and will lead the organisation alongside Nicole Mechehrawi. The decision is a structural response to the growing scope of work.

We are proud and grateful. Our initiative EQUALFORCE has received the Outstanding Security Performance Award (OSPA) 2025 in the category Outstanding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative.

On 1 October 2025, Stefan Schwarz joined the GS-Foundation (GS-F) as Chief Operating Officer. His appointment marks an important step in strengthening GS-F’s leadership for the future of security sector reform.

On 1 July 2025, the GS-Foundation welcomed new consultant Michael Schemke to its team. With over four decades of experience in the North Rhine-Westphalia police force, including many years in a senior position, he will now contribute his extensive expertise to the work of the foundation.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Stefan Feller, our Chief Operating Officer and a cherished member of the GS-Foundation. Stefan’s life was dedicated to public service and the pursuit of peace, justice, and human rights. He brought not only his vast experience but also an inspiring commitment […]

Thank you to SEESAC for the warm welcome to the GS-Foundation at the opening of the 19th SALW Conference. We were delighted to learn more about the impressive work being done in Southeast and East Europe at the 19th meeting of the SALW Commissions in Podgorica last week, which marked the 10th anniversary of this […]

We are proud to welcome Stefan Feller as the new COO of our GS Foundation. He is looking forward to working with us on exciting projects and sharing his vision.