
Experts & Staff
WRI brings together nearly 1,800 staff and experts who are leaders in their fields. Their work spans topics such as food and land use, energy, cities, economics, finance, governance and more. Our staff and researchers work globally and in 12 focus countries to meet people’s essential needs, to protect and restore nature, and to stabilize the climate and build resilient communities. Contact our media team to arrange an interview with any of our experts.
Global Executive Team

Program Experts & Staff
Zablon Adane
Water Program Associate, WRI Africa

James Anderson
Senior Program Manager, Cities4Forests

Beth Bahs-Ahern
Director of Global Operations, FFWO

Francesca Battistelli
Associate III, Water Security & Nature-Based Solutions

Lisa Beyer
Urban Water Infrastructure Manager

Jake Billhorn
Financial Analysis Intern, Natural Infrastructure Initiative

Caroline Black
Corporate Water Stewardship Associate

Krystol Carfaro
Grants and Finance Specialist

Shabana Charaniya
Fundraising Manager, Food and Water Programme

Marlena Chertock
Communications Manager, Water Program

Natasha Collins
Project Manager, Natural Infrastructure Initiative

Sod-Erdene Davaadorj
Grants and Finance Manager, Cities4Forests and Natural Infrastructure Initiative

Crystal Davis
Global Director, Food, Land & Water (FLW) Program

Marc Dettmann
Corporate Water Stewardship Manager

Irina Didenko
Grants and Finance Specialist, Cities4Forests

Todd Gartner
Director, Cities4Forests and Natural Infrastructure

Andy Gurgol
Conservation Finance Manager
Meredith Hess
Associate, Water Program

Charles Iceland
Director, Freshwater Initiatives

Samantha Kuzma
Aqueduct Data Lead, Water Program

Fouad Laajine
Urban Water Resilience Finance Intern

Shivani Lakshman
Research Analyst, Corporate Water Stewardship

Lizzie Marsters
Environmental Finance Manager, Natural Infrastructure

Suzanne Ozment
Senior Associate, Natural Infrastructure

Liz Saccoccia
Water Security Associate

Silviya Stanton
Grants and Finance Specialist II

Taryn Staples
Manager of Global Operations, FFWO

Clara Strack
Urban Development Intern

Eliza L. Swedenborg
Manager, Strategy and Performance, Water Program

Prathna T.C.
Manager, Urban Water Resilience, WRI India Ross Center for Sustainable Cities

Muluneh Tarekegn
Programs and Research Specialist, Water Program, WRI Africa

Gabriela Vidad
Cities4Forests Intern

Natalie von Turkovich
Intern, Cities4Forests

Sara Walker
Director, Corporate Water Engagement

Tinebeb Yohannes
Research Associate, Water Program
