Mixed Heritages: Alaskan-Hawaiian Native /German, Japanese and Filipino
Associated EMMY/DGA Award Wins – The Amazing Race (Mongolia s10.e2)
International Development, RED Specialist, and Sustainable Innovation and Multimedia/Marketing Strategist
Zanjan Fromer is an internationally recognized International Development Specialist, Rapid Expeditionary Development (RED) Strategist, and Multimedia Innovation Expert, with over 30 years of experience delivering transformative solutions in post-transition recovery, environmental conservation, sustainable tourism, and multisectoral development. Known for his pioneering ability to integrate technology, storytelling, and strategic planning, Fromer’s work spans diverse regions, including Mongolia, China, Russia, Turkey, the EU, the UK, and Southeast Asia.
Fromer’s career in international development began in 1994, upon his arrival in Mongolia, where he worked with a Mongolian NGO to support the integration of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into national frameworks. This initiative ignited his passion for empowering communities and addressing global challenges, laying the foundation for his contributions to human rights advocacy, economic growth, and sustainable development.
In 1996, Fromer further cemented his commitment to sustainability through his work on Mongolia’s snow leopard conservation initiatives, focusing on research, tagging, and preservation efforts. These early experiences shaped his ability to navigate the growing pains of fragile countries, addressing challenges in economics, society, and infrastructure development. Fromer has since demonstrated expertise in adapting to complex environments, leveraging innovative strategies to improve situational outcomes.
Building on his foundational work, Fromer played a critical role in USAID’s The Competitiveness Initiative (2000–2003), contributing to nationwide rural development, and founded GER to GER in 2005, a globally acclaimed initiative empowering rural and nomadic communities through sustainable tourism frameworks and economic capacity building.
Fromer’s collaborations with global institutions include serving as project manager for the World Bank on a cross-industry supply chain analysis of Mongolia’s tourism sector, assessing the industry’s competitiveness for the World Bank’s business climate report. He has also partnered with organizations such as the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and various international development agencies to implement sustainable initiatives tailored to local and regional needs.
Recognized globally for his impact, Fromer has been featured in prominent international publications such as National Geographic Society, Lonely Planet, USA TODAY, and New York Magazine. His contributions have been honored with a prestigious Ministry Medal from the Mongolian Government, celebrating his two decades of efforts to advance Mongolia’s social and economic aspirations.
In 2010, Fromer was selected as a Global Top Ten Finalist in the National Geographic Society’s Geotourism Challenge: The Power of Place, earning a Certificate of Excellence for GER to GER and becoming a Certified Geotourism Ambassador.
Rapid Expeditionary Development Specialist
As a Rapid Expeditionary Development (RED) Specialist, Fromer has developed scalable, sustainable solutions for fragile and post-crisis regions, ensuring community-driven results that align with global priorities. His RED expertise integrates flexibility, adaptability, and cultural awareness to address diverse development challenges.
Key RED Achievements:
• Designed and implemented programs addressing economic stabilization, governance capacity building, and disaster recovery in post-conflict and fragile environments.
• Conducted a cross-industry supply chain analysis of Mongolia’s tourism sector for the World Bank, delivering critical insights into the industry’s competitiveness for a business climate report.
• Served as a subcontractor on USAID-funded initiatives, advancing projects that promote economic growth, community resilience, and sustainable development.
• Partnered with SDC and other multilateral organizations to implement innovative development frameworks, integrating GIS mapping tools and real-time tracking systems for efficient resource allocation.
• Developed GER to GER’s tourism frameworks, leveraging traditional and nomadic supply chains to mobilize rural communities and nomadic networks for logistics and management support.
• Applied strategies and methods to adapt to complex situational environments in fragile countries, addressing challenges in economic recovery, social cohesion, and resource management.
• Advocated for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)through strategic development projects that prioritize inclusivity and long-term sustainability.
Global Marketing Specialist
Fromer’s extensive expertise in global marketing encompasses all stages of project execution, from planning, content development, designing, and publishing to distribution, digital marketing, and traditional marketing. His marketing initiatives have spanned online and offline platforms, successfully engaging audiences across the EU, UK, United States, and Southeast Asia (e.g., Taiwan, Korea).
Key Marketing Contributions:
• Directed end-to-end marketing campaigns that combined content creation, branding, and SEO strategies, achieving top search rankings and measurable ROI.
• Designed and launched SEO-optimized websites, with several projects ranking in SEMrush’s Top 1%, enhancing global visibility for rural development and tourism programs.
• Led international trade shows and B2B events, creating opportunities for cross-industry collaboration and boosting economic impact for stakeholders.
• Executed multi-channel marketing campaigns tailored to regional markets, integrating storytelling and visual narratives to maximize engagement.
• Created innovative branding strategies to position destinations and programs as leaders in sustainability and innovation.
Creative Multimedia Content Creator
As a multimedia storyteller, Fromer combines his creative vision with technical expertise to produce compelling films and promotional materials that amplify global development initiatives.
Notable Projects:
• Produced and directed centerpiece films for National Geographic Society’s Museum in Washington, DC, and the Rubin Museum of Art in New York, showcasing Mongolia’s Tsam Ceremony and its cultural significance.
• Created promotional films for international development organizations, highlighting successes aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Developed multimedia campaigns for public-private initiatives spanning industries such as tourism, cashmere, real estate, and food production.
Film and TV Production
Fromer’s extensive experience in film and TV production has included contributions to Emmy and DGA award-winning reality TV productions, showcasing his ability to create visually compelling, culturally authentic content for global audiences.
Key Film/TV Accomplishments:
• Country Fixer for Mongolia on “The Amazing Race,”managing all aspects of in-country logistics, location scouting, and cultural authenticity through GER to GER.
• Produced films for international organizations, blending cultural narratives with strategic messaging to reach global audiences.
• Provided cultural consultancy for development-focused TV productions to ensure authenticity and alignment with local contexts.
Web Development and SEO Specialist
As a Web Development and SEO Specialist, Fromer has built high-performance digital platforms tailored to global development projects, prioritizing visibility, engagement, and impact.
Digital Innovation Achievements:
• Managed SEO-driven platforms, with projects consistently outperforming global competition and ranking in SEMrush’s Top 1%.
• Developed tools such as GIS-integrated dashboardsand real-time tracking systems for development agencies and international organizations.
• Leveraged advanced analytics tools to refine digital campaigns, achieving exceptional ROI and engagement.
Global Recognition and Advocacy for SDGs
Fromer’s work has been recognized in UNESCAP’s official reports as a model for community-driven tourism development, aligning with SDG 8 and SDG 11. His contributions have been highlighted in National Geographic Society, Lonely Planet, USA TODAY, and more. Furthermore, his commitment to Mongolia’s progress earned him a Ministry Medal, acknowledging his decades-long contributions to the nation’s economic and social development.
Vision for Impact
Zanjan Fromer’s mission is to create sustainable, scalable change that bridges local and global priorities. By integrating technical expertise, cultural sensitivity, and innovative storytelling, he ensures impactful outcomes for communities worldwide.
Whether designing rapid development programs, building SEO-driven platforms, or contributing to award-winning productions, Fromer continues to redefine sustainable development for an interconnected world.
Federally Recognized Native American Tribal ID
CERTIFIED NATGEO GEOTOURISM AMBASSADOR
CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE
