Staff
Executive StaffNancy Birdsall, President Nancy Birdsall is the founding President of the Center for Global Development. Prior to launching the Center, Birdsall served for three years as Senior Associate and Director of the Economic Reform Project at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Her work at Carnegie focused on issues of globalization and inequality, as well as on the reform of the international financial institutions. From 1993 to 1998, Birdsall was Executive Vice-President of the Inter-American Development Bank, the largest of the regional development banks, where she oversaw a $30 billion public and private loan portfolio. Before joining the Inter-American Development Bank, Birdsall spent 14 years in research, policy, and management positions at the World Bank, most recently as Director of the Policy Research Department. Ms. Birdsall is the author, co-author, or editor of more than a dozen books and monographs, including, most recently, Delivering on Debt Relief: From IMF Gold to a New Aid Architecture, Population Matters: Demographic Change, Economic Growth and Poverty in the Developing World, Washington Contentious: Economic Policies for Social Equity in Latin America, and New Markets, New Opportunities? Economic and Social Mobility in a Changing World. She has also written more than 75 articles for books and scholarly journals published in English and Spanish. Shorter pieces of her writing have appeared in dozens of U.S. and Latin American newspapers and periodicals. Ruth Levine, Vice President for Programs and Operations, and Senior Fellow Ruth Levine is an internationally recognized expert on global health and health policy. She is a health economist with more than 15 years of experience designing and assessing the effects of social sector programs in Latin America, Eastern Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. As CGD vice president for programs and operations, she is a member of the Center’s senior management team. She is also a CGD senior fellow and leads the Center’s work on global health policy, including chairing a series of working groups on key policy and finance constraints to the effective use of donor funding for health programs in low-income countries. Dennis de Tray, Vice President for Special Initiatives Dennis joined CGD in February, 2006, as the Center's first vice president. In this role, he has three broad responsibilities: to work with the president to shape CGD's substantive and financial future, to strengthen ties between CGD and communities of interest and influence in the development arena, and to work with CGD colleagues to develop new lines of business. Dennis brings to CGD an extensive management and research experience coupled with a decade and a half on the front lines of development assistance delivery. Before joining CGD he directed the World Bank's Mission for the five central Asian republics from Almaty, Kazakhstan. Previously he served as IMF senior representative for Vietnam in Hanoi and before that as World Bank country director in Indonesia resident in Jakarta. He earned his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago in 1972. Sarah Marchal Murray, Deputy Director of Institutional Advancement Sarah Marchal Murray joins CGD as the first Deputy Director of Institutional Advancement. In this role Sarah is the point person, collaborating with senior staff and board members, on initiatives aimed at engaging the philanthropic community; including individuals, corporations, foundations, and organizations interested in supporting CGD. Sarah brings to the Center over ten years of experience working with economic and social development organizations, in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, most recently as Director of Development for WaterAid America. In this capacity she assisted with fundraising, institutional development and capacity building, as well as communications and marketing strategy. Such organizations include; the Alliance for Community Enhancement, The Center for Autistic Children, Committee to Protect Journalists, Fundación Vamos México, Habitat for Humanity, International Visitors Council, Jardín Sur Foundation, and The Drawing Center. Early in her career Sarah worked as a media and political consultant. Sarah is a former United States Peace Corps volunteer in Guyana, and is a graduate of Villanova University. In 2004 she earned her Master's degree at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). Peter Gardner, Special Assistant to the President Peter provides Nancy Birdsall with programmatic, logistical, and research support. Peter holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Swarthmore College. Prior to joining CGD, Peter provided research support at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in their Division of International Security Studies. He also interned at the Scottish Parliament researching United Kingdom nuclear deterrence policies. Kate Vyborny, Program Coordinator to the President Kate provides Nancy Birdsall with programmatic and research support. She joined CGD in August 2006 after a year as a Junior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where she assisted the Trade, Equity and Development project with research and outreach on multilateral negotiations, regional agreements and preferential trade legislation. Kate holds degrees in Economics and International Affairs from the University of Georgia. Rena Pacheco-Theard, Special Assistant to Executive Office Rena joined the center in June, 2007. She recently graduated with a B.S. in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University; where she majored in International Politics with an emphasis on Law, Institutions, and Ethics. Last year she worked at the Georgetown Public Policy Institute, and interned with Friends of the World Food Program and the Georgetown Office of International Programs. Rena also co-authored an article entitled "Food and Water as Human Rights" for World Food Day 2007 on behalf of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Communications and Outreach StaffLawrence MacDonald, Director, Communications and Policy Lawrence works to increase the policy impact of CGD's research and analysis by leading an integrated communications program that includes publications, media relations, government and NGO outreach, events, and online engagement. Before joining the Center in October 2004 he was a senior communications officer at the World Bank where he provided strategic communications advice to chief economists, coordinated the preparation of research publications and created the World Bank Research web site. He was founding editor of the Bank's Policy Research Report series and launched two innovative yet enduring web tools: the Bank's Online Media Briefing Center and the International AIDS Economic Network (IAEN), a virtual community. Prior to that he worked in East and Southeast Asia for 15 years as a reporter and editor for The Asian Wall Street Journal, Agence France Presse, and Asiaweek Magazine. Sarah Jane Staats, Senior Associate for Outreach and Policy Sarah Jane Staats is senior associate for outreach and policy at the Center for Global Development where she is responsible for initiatives aimed at engaging the development policy community, including policymakers and nongovernmental organizations, in the Center's research and other programs. Before joining the Center, Sarah Jane worked at the U.S. Government Accountability Office and for InterAction, a coalition of 160 U.S.-based international development and humanitarian NGOs. Sarah Jane coordinated InterAction’s U.S. bilateral development assistance efforts, including work on the Millennium Challenge Account. Dave Terpeny, Online Communications and Strategy Manager Dave joined CGD in May 2008. He is responsible for managing the Center’s various online properties, expanding its virtual footprint through strategic development and championing emerging technologies and tools to the wider CGD community. He brings over 10 years of Web Management experience to his position, including, most recently, Web Services Manager at LCC International. He has also served as a Knowledge Management Program Manager (Social Networking) at the Defense Acquisition University and is the founder of the non-profit music and activism organization KyndMusic/RightAction. Previous to his career in Web Management, Dave worked as a Music Journalist at the Boston Phoenix and other assorted print publications. Heather Haines, Events Manager Heather is responsible for managing seminars and events for the Center as part of the communications team. Before joining CGD, she worked with Barnes & Noble promoting community outreach and author events, as well as with Miramax Films. Heather received her Master’s degree in literature from the University of North Texas and holds a B.A. in English from the University of Oklahoma. John Osterman, Publications Coordinator John Osterman joined the Center in April. As Publications Coordinator he is responsible for overseeing the production of the Center's books, working papers, and briefs. A native of the metropolitan area, John is returning to D.C. from the University of Virginia, where he has earned an M.A. in Anthropology. Prior to his graduate studies, John was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mauritania, spent time studying the archaeology of the mid-Atlantic and South Africa, and worked as a Communications Associate for a D.C.-based non-profit. He holds a B.A. from the University of Mary Washington. Dave Colner, Database Manager Dave joined CGD in August, 2007. He is a recent graduate of Ohio State University with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in International Development Studies. As an undergraduate, Dave worked for the Women’s Health and Osteoarthritis Initiatives at the Ohio State Medical Center assisting in research and database management. During his senior year he traveled to DC as a John Glenn Fellow. While in DC he interned at OneWorld United States. At CGD Dave works with the Online Communications Manager, IT Manager, and the Deputy Director of Institutional Advancement to implement and maintain constituent management systems and support fundraising and communications objectives. Ben Edwards, Web and Media Assistant Ben supports the communications team with on-line communications and media relations. He earned a BA in English from Franklin and Marshall College. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, Ben studied Czech culture in Prague for a semester. He is currently pursuing an MA in Communications from Johns Hopkins University. Prior to CGD, Ben worked with International Arts and Artists, where he assisted with marketing and communications. Joel Meister, Outreach and Policy Assistant Joel is an Outreach and Policy Assistant at the Center for Global Development, supporting CGD's policy engagement with relevant governmental and non-governmental organizations to increase the policy impact of the Center's research. Prior to joining CGD in February, 2008, Joel worked in the Communications Department of the Joe Biden for President Campaign. He is a recent graduate of the George Washington University, with a B.A. cum laude in International Affairs. As an undergraduate, Joel built on his understanding of politics and policymaking working at the political action committee of former Virginia Governor Mark R. Warner and in the office of Congressman Ben Chandler. Lindsay Morgan, Policy Analyst Lindsay Morgan serves as Policy Analyst for the Center for Global Development, researching and writing short literature surveys, policy briefs and other rapid-turnaround briefing materials in response to requests from senior managers in private foundations. Prior to assuming the position she served as Publications Associate, responsible for overseeing the production of the Center’s books, briefs and working papers. Prior to joining CGD, Lindsay served as Assistant Editor of The Middle East Journal. She also served on the communications team at Sojourners, a progressive faith-based organization in Washington, DC, and was an editorial assistant at the San Diego Union-Tribune. Lindsay received her Masters in Middle East Politics from the University of Durham. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Point Loma Nazarene University. Finance and Administration StaffEllen Mackenzie, Director of Finance Ellen Mackenzie is the Center's Director of Finance. She manages and leads administrative, business planning, accounting, budgeting, human resource, and information technology efforts of the organization. Most recently, Ellen was the director of finance and operations at the Global Fund for Children (GFC). Prior to joining GFC, Ellen was the budget director at the Advocacy Institute and ran the global population project at the Communications Consortium Media Center. In 2000, Ellen was awarded a grant to explore how technology can be used to increase organizational effectiveness. Her research plans were acquired by a venture philanthropy organization. She brings with her more than ten years of experience working with nonprofit organizations. Ellen has a bachelor's degree in business management from New York University. Jeff Garland, Information Technology Manager Jeff Garland is the Information Technology Manager. He has an educational background in Computer Electronics. He worked as a consultant for numerous DOD migrations and upgrade projects. He worked on the network design team with propriety software installs on Capitol Hill traveling to representative’s district offices. He has since held System Engineering positions for multiple nonprofits. Prior to joining CGD, Jeff was the IT team lead responsible for supporting the network infrastructure for a local nonprofit with five international field offices. Jeff is a certified Systems Engineer and ITIL certified. Luke Easley, Finance and Human Resources Administrator Luke joined CGD in June, 2007, as the Office Manager. Before joining the Center, Luke worked for a local catering company as an administrative assistant to the sales team. In his spare time Luke volunteers for Food and Friends, a Washington D.C. based charity that provides meals to people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other terminal illnesses. Anna Doctors, Office Manager Anna Doctors is the Center's Office Manager. Anna is a native Washingtonian who recently graduated from the University of Delaware with a BA in English, with a concentration in Journalism. She also studied Political Science and Art History abroad in London. Program StaffRuth Levine, Vice President for Programs and Operations Ruth Levine is an internationally recognized expert on global health and health policy. She is a health economist with more than 15 years of experience designing and assessing the effects of social sector programs in Latin America, Eastern Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. As CGD vice president for programs and operations, she is a member of the Center’s senior management team. She is also a CGD senior fellow and leads the Center’s work on global health policy, including chairing a series of working groups on key policy and finance constraints to the effective use of donor funding for health programs in low-income countries. Nandini Oomman, Senior Program Associate- HIV/AIDS Monitor Nandini Oomman joined CGD in March 2006 as the director of the HIV/AIDS Monitor, which tracks the effectiveness of the three main aid responses to the epidemic: the Global Fund, the HIV/AIDS Africa MAP program of the World Bank, and the U.S. President’s Emergency Program For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Nandini manages the initiative and oversees much of the research program that underpins it. She has more than 15 years of public health research, program and policy experience, with emphasis on population, reproductive health and HIV/AIDS. Rachel Nugent, Deputy Director, Global Health Program Rachel is a senior associate in CGD’s Global Health Programs. She provides economic and policy expertise to support HPRN Working Groups, manages CGD programs on Population and Economic Development, and conducts research on other global health topics. She has 25 years of experience as a development economist, managing and carrying out research and policy analysis in the fields of health, agriculture and the environment. Prior to joining CGD, Rachel worked at the Population Reference Bureau, the Fogarty International Center of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. She also served as associate professor and chair of the economics department at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington. Rachel’s publications include a range of topics, from the cost-effectiveness of non-communicable disease interventions and health impacts of fiscal policies to impacts of microcredit on the environment in developing countries and economic impacts of transboundary diseases and pests. Sheila Herrling, Senior Policy Analyst - MCA Monitor Sheila rejoined the Center in October 2005. She works with Steve Radelet on the Center’s MCA Monitor initiative. Before becoming senior policy analyst, Sheila served as Director of Communications and Policy for the Center. Prior to joining the Center, she served as Deputy Director for the Office of Development Policy at the U.S. Treasury Department, where she provided policy advice on U.S. engagement in the multilateral development banks, strengthening development effectiveness, results measurement and country growth and poverty reduction strategies. Sheila has extensive experience in Africa, where she served as Advisor to the U.S. Executive Director to the African Development Bank in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. Prior to joining the U.S. Treasury, she worked at the Academy for Educational Development (AED) on basic education programs in Latin America. Sheila received her M.A. in International Development from American University and a B.A in Economics from William Smith College. David Witzel, Visiting Senior Program Associate Dave, a founder of Forum One Communications, spent the past 12 years as a consultant working with multilateral and non-profit organizations to understand and use the power of the Internet. His clients have included the World Bank, Global Development Network, Population Reference Bureau, CGAP, International Women’s Media Foundation, and the Urban Institute. He has worked with CGD, practically since its inception, on development of Web services and ways to leverage the internet to improve international development outcomes. During 2008 he will be a Visiting Associate at CGD focusing on the creation of internet-enabled public goods (like open source software and open education resources) and understanding “the commons” – shared efforts to produce and manage these goods. Dave received his M.P.P. from Harvard's Kennedy School and his B.S. from Texas A&M University. Danielle Kuczynski, Program Coordinator Danielle Kuczynski joined the Center in September 2007. Prior to joining the Center, Danielle worked in Tanzania with the University of Toronto's HIV/AIDS Initiative- Africa as a Knowledge Network Officer. In addition to other overseas experience, her work in the public sector includes a 2006 Policy Analyst post with the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion. In 2005, Danielle completed an MSc in International Health Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science where she wrote her dissertation in South Africa examining perceived barriers to antiretroviral adherence. Additionally, she holds a BSc in Honors Psychology from the University of Western Ontario. Kristie Latulippe, Program Coordinator Kristie joined the Health Team at the Center in July 2008. Prior to joining the CGD, Kristie worked for the Global Economy & Development program at the Brookings Institution managing projects & outreach for 2 years. Her overseas experience includes interning with the country office of UNICEF Nepal developing a research protocol and evaluation framework for an HIV/AIDS prevention program. From 2000-2002, Kristie served as a Peace Corps volunteer for a local government office in Nepal supporting the implementation of UNDP health and education programs. In 2005, Kristie completed an MPH in International Health and Development at the Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine where she focused on policy & planning for infectious disease and nutrition programming. Additionally, she holds a BS in Biology from Providence College. Scott Kniaz, Program Coordinator Scott joined CGD in July 2008 as a program coordinator on the Global Health Team. Previously, Scott worked as a research analyst for BIO Ventures for Global Health, where he examined incentive mechanisms and business models to spur biopharmaceutical innovation for diseases disproportionately affecting the developing world. He specifically focused efforts on advance market commitments, priority review vouchers and intellectual property issues. Scott received his BA in International Relations and Economics from Tufts University, graduating with honors in the Spring of 2006. Steve Rosenzweig, Program Coordinator Steve joined the Center in June, 2007. He recently graduated from Yale University, where he received a B.A. in Political Science with Distinction in the Major. As an undergraduate, Steve served as a research assistant on issues of civil war and ethnic conflict, as well as elections and democratization in the developing world. His senior thesis evaluated the evidence for an MCC incentive effect on reform in developing countries. While interning at the Center, Steve will work with Nandini Oomman and Michael Bernstein on global and country level studies for the HIV/AIDS Monitor. David Wendt, Policy Analyst David joined the Center in June. He is working with the rest of the HIV/AIDS Monitor team to conduct comparative analysis on the effectiveness of The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the World Bank’s Multi-Country HIV/AIDS Program (MAP), and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Prior to joining the Center in June 2008, David worked as the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and a Research Team Manager with the Knowledge Services at the Institute of Development Studies in Brighton, UK. In both roles he conducted research and analysis around how processes of research communication could better inform development policy. David also has project experience working with the United Way in Philadelphia and with a variety of local NGOs in Uganda. He received a BA from NYU and an MPhil from the Institute of Development Studies. Research AssistantsPaolo Abarcar, Research Assistant Paolo Abarcar supports the research efforts of Steve Radelet and Michael Clemens. Prior to joining CGD, he studied at the Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines where he graduated with a degree in Economics (Honors) and Development Studies. His experience includes interning at the National Economic Development Authority in Manila to work on issues related to population and health. Before moving to the US, Paolo also taught part-time at the Economics Department of the Ateneo and was a research assistant. Leda Basombrio, Research Assistant Leda Basombrio supports the research of senior fellow, Liliana Rojas-Suarez. Prior to joining the CGD, Leda was a credit scoring analyst of microfinance in the Scotiabank Peru and she worked as a research assistant in the Centro de Investigacion de la Universidad del Pacifico in issues related to poverty and hunger. Previously, she was an intern for the university’s magazine Punto de Equilibrio and participated as an editor in the student’s magazine Boceto. Leda studied Economics at the Universidad del Pacifico (Lima-Peru) and graduated top of her class. Amy Crone, Research Assistant & Policy Analyst Amy Crone supports research on foreign assistance reform by Steve Radelet and Sheila Herrling. Prior to joining CGD, Amy was an intern in the Latin American Operations group at the Millennium Challenge Corporation and also worked at the Aspen Institute. She was previously a financial analyst at BearingPoint, Inc. and a contracts analyst at PA Consulting, where she worked on energy and environment projects in the Philippines and Latin America. Amy has lived in South America, speaks Spanish, and received her B.A. in Government from Cornell University and her M.A. in International Development from American University. Robin Kraft, Research Assistant Robin works with Vijaya Ramachandran on infrastructure and private sector development in Africa and Dillon Alleyne on Caribbean migration. He joined CGD in August 2007 after completing a Masters in Development Economics at Sciences Po Paris. His thesis evaluated the economic impact of temporary Colombian migration to Spain and was supported by the International Organization for Migration in Bogotá and the Universidad Externado de Colombia, where he taught for a semester. Robin received a BA from UC Berkeley in History, focusing on the Cold War and the USSR, and subsequently worked as a freelance journalist and editor in San Francisco and Paris. Cindy Prieto, Research Assistant Cindy supports the research efforts of Nancy Lee, who focuses on Western Hemispheric integration, as well as David Roodman’s work on the Commitment to Development Index. Cindy joined the Center in July, 2007 as an intern for Liliana Rojas-Suarez assisting with a workshop on Improving Access to Financial Services in Developing Countries. Cindy is a recent graduate of Stanford University with a B.A. in Economics and a minor in Political Science. Prior to joining CGD, Cindy served as the Managing Director of FACE AIDS, a national, student-run non-profit dedicated to raising student awareness about AIDS, and has interned at the Office of Management and Budget and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Rebecca Schutte, Program & Research Assistant Rebecca joined CGD in June, 2007, and works with Steve Radelet on the Liberia and aid effectiveness programs. Prior to joining CGD, Rebecca served as a Peace Corps Volunteer for girls' education and empowerment in Burkina Faso. She was also a policy analysis and research intern at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants where she wrote about refugee conditions in Kenya and Zambia, and also helped kick-off the National Center for Refugee and Immigrant Children. Rebecca attended the University of Chicago and holds a B.A. in Anthropology, along with a minor in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations (Egyptology). Julia Sekkel, Research Assistant Julia joined CGD in July as a research assistant working on trade policy. Before joining CGD she worked as a program assistant at the Inter-American Dialogue in the elaboration of a model of economic integration for the Western Hemisphere as well as provided technical assistance for the national report on the state of education in Brazil, which is being developed by the Partnership for Educational Revitalization in the Americas (PREAL). She also worked as a researcher at the Institute of Applied Economic Research (IPEA) – linked to the Brazilian Ministry of Planning – in Brasilia, where she conducted studies on innovation and its impacts on exports and firm performance of Brazilian manufacturing firms. Julia holds a BA and Masters degree in Applied Economics from the University of Sao Paulo (Brazil). . Martina Tonizzo, Research Assistant Martina Tonizzo supports the research efforts of Mead Over. Prior to joining CGD, Martina studied at Bocconi University in Milan from which she holds a BA in Management and an MSc in Economic and Social Disciplines. Her senior thesis explores the impact of democratization process on educational policies. She deepened her interest in international development attending a second MSc in Development Management at the London School of Economics. While in London she was a Research Assistant at the New Economics Foundation and at the Overseas Development Institute. She has also extensively volunteered abroad, in India and the Philippines and domestically for Doctors Without Boarders. Kevin Ummel, Research Assistant As part of the Confronting Climate Change Initiative, Kevin works with Senior Fellow David Wheeler in assessing the sources, impacts, and policy implications of global warming. His current research includes the monitoring and public disclosure of carbon emissions through CGD's Carbon Monitoring for Action (CARMA) project as well as the use of global climate models and geographic analysis to better understand the socioeconomic impacts of climate change. Kevin also assists President Nancy Birdsall in her work on income distributions and the middle class. He is a recipient of the Firestone Medal for Excellence in Undergraduate Research from Stanford University, where he graduated with honors. InternsJason Parker joined the Center in May as an IT intern. He is a native of DC, and attends the ITT-Technical Institute in Springfield, VA, where he is pursuing a Bachelors degree in Computer Science. Michelle Swearingen is a communications intern. Michelle is in her first year at Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute pursuing a Masters degree in Public Policy. She is specializing in International Policy and Development as well as working on a certificate in Refugees and Humanitarian Emergencies. Michelle moved from Columbus, Ohio with her husband last fall, where she worked on health and human services issues in the Ohio Senate. She is hoping to utilize her experience with domestic poverty issues to transition to work in international development and poverty reduction.
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