Meet Our Team

Francis Ghesquiere is Manager for the World Bank’s Disaster Risk Management Practice Group and Head of GFDRR Secretariat. Prior, he was Program Manager for Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in the South Asia Region (SAR) where he supported the SAR DRM team on a fast growing portfolio.  There he helped the team prepare several new initiatives, including a Strategic Seismic Risk Mitigation Program for Bangladesh, a Flood Recovery Program in the State of Bihar, and Strengthening of Emergency Response Capacity in the Province of Balochistan, Pakistan.  Before his assignment in South Asia, Francis was a Regional Coordinator in the Latin America and Caribbean Region, where he led a number of flagship initiatives, including the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) and the Central America Catastrophe Probabilistic Risk Assessment initiative (CAPRA).  He was also the Lead Manager for the Understanding Risk Forum (UR), which brings together experts and practitioners to explore innovation in disaster risk assessment.  Francis was a key actor in the design of new policy instruments to help accelerate the World Bank’s response to disasters, including the new policy on emergency operations and innovative contingent financing instruments (CAT-DDO and IRM).  He is a key member of the DRM Global Expert Team where he covers Disaster Risk Reduction, Risk Modeling, and Risk Financing.  Francis holds a Master’s degree from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and an Engineering Degree from the University of Louvain.  He also studied Finance and Economics at New York University, ESADE Barcelona, and HEC Paris. Email: fghesquiere@worldbank.org

Christoph Pusch is Lead Specialist for Disaster Risk Management, and GFDRR’s Deputy-Manager with focus on Strategy, Knowledge, and Advisory Services. Mr. Pusch has a long track record in managing a diverse portfolio of large scale emergency reconstruction projects and multi-sector risk mitigation programs. He also developed comprehensive disaster risk strategies for regions and countries. As a core member of the Bank’s Global Expert Team on Disaster Risk Management he provides advisory services to Bank teams and client countries on policy, strategy, and operational issues. Mr. Pusch joined GFDRR in September 2010. Previously, as Regional Coordinator, he led the disaster risk management agenda in South Asia and was based in India. He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the Technical University of Berlin. Email: cpusch@worldbank.org 

Prashant is the Track I Team Leader. Prashant brings to the position more than 20 years of experience in the public sector covering the areas of development administration, disaster risk and recovery management, regulatory management, macroeconomic management, and international economic relations . He has worked in promoting sustainable development in disaster proofing environmentally fragile regions in India. He also held various senior positions at the provincial government of West Bengal and the federal government of India in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance. A native of India, he received his M.S. degree from St. Stephen’s College in Delhi. Email: prashant@worldbank.org

Manuela Chiapparino, Senior Operations Officer, is the GFDRR Focal Point for Europe based in Brussels, Belgium. She is responsible for building and managing relationships with European Union (EU) institutions and donors. She also coordinates the relations with the EC and the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Secretariat in Brussels on the ACP-EU Natural Disaster Risk Reduction Program, managed by GFDRR. As well, she specializes in coordinating efforts with the UN and the European Commission (EC) for post-disaster needs assessments. Prior to her current position, Ms. Chiapparino worked for the World Bank’s Middle East and North Africa Region, and the External Affairs Vice-Presidency. An Italian national, she holds a Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Trieste and a Master’s degree in Management from the Solvay Management School/VUB in Brussels. Email: mchiapparino@worldbank.org

Daniel Kull is a Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist in Geneva, Switzerland, representing the World Bank in the Geneva humanitarian/development community. He also contributes to the WCIDS initiative. Before joining GFDRR, Mr. Kull was the global coordinator for disaster risk reduction (DRR) at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, a research scholar with the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Senior Disaster Risk Reduction Advisor for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in Tajikistan and Technical Advisor for UNISDR Africa in Kenya. He also served as a hazard specialist for the Swiss Reinsurance Company, having started as a hydraulic engineer for both the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and the Hydrologic Engineering Center of the US Army Corps of Engineers. A dual Swiss-American national, Mr. Kull holds a MSc in Water Resource Engineering from the University of California (Davis) and a BSc in Civil Engineering from Union College. Email: dkull@worldbank.org

Robert Reid focuses on collaboration with the UN and other international and regional organizations, as part of the Track I Partnerships agenda. Mr. Reid came from the European Commission, DG External Relations, where he worked as Policy Coordinator on Climate Change. He has also worked in the European Comission’s DG Environment, as a public affairs lobbyist in Brussels, and in the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), based in Geneva. British by birth but European at heart, Mr. Reid has a Master's degree in European Politics and Trans-Atlantic Relations from the University of Bath, UK & the University of Washington, USA. Email: rreid1@worldbank.org

Ralph Connery is the lead on the GFDRR Civil Society engagement.  He is a member of the Global and Regional Partnerships team, focal point for the South-South Cooperation Program and member of the Recovery Framework team. A qualified Project Management Professional (PMP) with more than 8 years experience managing projects in both the public and private sectors.  He studied disaster management in India and is experienced in Community Based Disaster Management. Mr. Connery was part of a team for the international NGO ActionAid that assessed the relocation and rehabilitation of the 2009 flood victims in North Karnataka with a focus on the subsequent   Public Private Partnerships.  A native of Ireland, Mr. Connery holds a degree in Sociology and Classical studies, a post graduate qualification in disaster management and  is currently pursuing a Master's in Risk , Crisis and  Disaster Management. Email: rconnery@worldbank.org

Alina Truhina, Bachelor in Media and Communications from Melbourne Australia, is currently completing her Master's in International Affairs at the Geneva Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID) and is based in World Bank Geneva office in Switzerland. Before this, Ms. Truhina worked at two global media companies and spent a year in Paris studying International Relations at Sciences Po. An Australian citizen, Ms. Truhina was born in Latvia and has a Russian background. Email: atruhina@worldbank.org

Bianca Adam is an Economist with the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction & Recovery (GFDRR) at the World Bank. She is a core team member of the joint World Bank – United Nations project on the Economics of Natural Hazards.  Fluent in four languages, she has worked in non-governmental organizations and as a volunteer teacher of English and Mathematics in sub-saharan Africa. Ms. Adam holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Economics from the Univer sity of Rome. She is currently working on her Master's in Economics, also from the University of Rome, where she is specializing in development economics, growth theory, and quantitative economics. Email: badam@worldbank.org

Henriette B. Mampuya is Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Analyst in the GFDRR Brussels team. She contributes to the implementation of the ACP-EU Natural Disaster Risk Reduction Program (focal point for Africa; operational activities, research) and works with the GFDRR Communication team. She also supports relationships with the European Union institutions and donors. Prior to joining GFDRR, Ms. Mampuya successively worked for the World Bank's Middle East and North Africa Region, the Africa Region, and the External Affairs Vice-Presidency. A native from the Democratic Republic of Congo, she holds a Master's degree in International Management from ICHEC Brussels Management School, Belgium. Email: hmampuya@worldbank.org

Christina J. Irene is a member of the Communications & Knowledge Management team. Prior to joining GFDRR, she worked at the United Nations and the Clinton Foundation in New York. She is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) from the Dominican Republic and also has work experience in Argentina. Ms. Irene holds a Master's in International Affairs and Socioeconomic Development and is an American national. Email: cirene@worldbank.org

 Edouard Ereño Blanchet is a Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Analyst within the GFDRR Brussels team. He works on the implementation of the GFDRR/ ACP-EU Programme and on the overall cooperation with the European Union Institutions on disaster risk reduction and post disaster response. Prior to his current position, he worked in the World Bank’s Sustainable Development Department with the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region (focused on Thailand, Lao and Cambodia) as an Infrastructure Analyst (energy and transport). He also worked at the European Commission, DG Development and Cooperation EuropeAid in Brussels as Programme Manager for Energy and Climate Change, covering Europe and Central Asia (ECA) and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions. A dual citizen of France and Spain, he holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Centro de Estudios Economicos y Comerciales in Madrid, a Masters degree in Political Sciences from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences-Po) and a LL.B in Public Law from the University of Versailles. Email: eereno@worldbank.org

Cordelia Chesnutt is a Consultant working on GFDRR's Global and Regional Partnership team. Prior to her current position, Ms. Chesnutt worked as an editor for a Johns Hopkins University publication on U.S.-Japan relations; the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ms. Chesnutt holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from Columbia University and a Master’s degree in International Economics and Conflict Management from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Email: cchesnutt@worldbank.org

Catherine Burtonboy joined GFDRR as a Program Officer. She brings with her an extensive experience of operations and Trust Fund management including the Afghanistan and Iraq reconstruction Trust Funds. She will coordinate the results monitoring efforts as well as the reporting to the Donors and the SDN Front Office. Ms. Burtonboy is a Belgian national and has an MBA in Finance from the George Washington University in Washington, DC. Email: cburtonboy@worldbank.org

 Ayaz Parvez is leading GFDRR's Central Results Team (CRT). The CRT has thus far developed a central Results Framework (RF) for GFDRR and a Results Operationalization Action Plan, both of which have been endorsed by GFDRR's Consultative Group.  Mr. Parvez's major tasks for FY 2011 include the development, operationalization and delivery of: (a) GFDRR's Results Monitoring System; (b) Results Frameworks for country-level DRM programs in GFDRR’s priority and donor-earmarked countries, and; (c) the First GFDRR Results Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Reports. He is also helping GFDRR in strengthening global partnerships and capacity building for Results-based DRM, and in guiding the development and implementation of a GFDRR Results Communication Strategy and the launch of User-Friendly Results Products. Mr. Parvez also provides regular inputs towards the design and implementation of results-based M&E frameworks for major GFDRR initiatives in disaster risk mitigation (DRM). Mr. Parvez is also leading GFDRR’s recent initiative in analyzing and developing state of the art M&E systems for global disaster recovery and reconstruction operations. In this respect, he will be bringing together M&E related good practices and practitioners from disaster recovery experiences and programs around the world, at the World Reconstruction Conference planned in May 2011. Mr. Parvez has over 15 years of work experience, including 10 years in the development sector, working with the Bank South Asia Region and now headquarters in various capacities. Mr. Parvez brings specialist operational experience from post disaster recovery operations of the World Bank, and particularly in the conduct of PDNAs.  He has an engineering degree from Pakistan's premier engineering university. Email: aparvez@worldbank.org

Isabelle Forge is a Senior Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Specialist, responsible for cooperation with the European Union on disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA). Based in Brussels, she is in charge of strengthening collaborations and promoting partnerships with the European Commission, particularly on mainstreaming DRR in development. Ms. Forge brings more than 15 years of experience in sustainable development for developing countries and other sectors. Previously, she served as an Adviser at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A native of France, Ms. Forge holds a Master’s degree in Economy and Demography from the Institutes of Political Studies (Sciences-Po Paris) and a Master’s Degree in Geography and Cartography from the University of Paris Panthéon-Sorbonne. Email: iforge@worldbank.org

Katsu Miyake is a Senior Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Specialist. He brings in more than 20 years of experience in water-related disaster risk reduction and recovery in both national and international level. Mr. Miyake holds a Master's degree in Civil Engineering at the Tokyo Institute of Technology in Japan.  Prior to joining the World Bank, he was a chief researcher at the International Center for Water Hazard and Risk Management. Mr. Miyake specializes in integrated flood disaster risk management. Email: kmiyake@worldbank.org

Eunice Sarita Mucache is a Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist.  Prior to joining GFDRR, she worked for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Mozambique as a Disaster Reduction Program Specialist and previously as the Director of Programs at the Mozambique Red Cross Society, bringing more than 18 years of experience in the field of disaster risk management (DRM). She is a Mozambican national and has a Master’s degree in Disaster Management from the Free State University in Bloemfontein, South Africa and a post-graduate degree in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, from London University, United Kingdom. Email: emucache@worldbank.org

Dugkeun Park is a Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist. Before joining GFDRR, Dr. Dugkeun Park worked at the Korean government for 14 years as Senior Analyst at the Ministry of Public Administration and Security (MOPAS). His inter-agency cooperation experience includes with UNESCAP, ISDR, OECD's Natural Hazard-Induced Chemical Accidents, ISO TC 223 (Societal Security), Typhoon Committee, EPWG of APEC, ADPC, and ADRC, and bilateral cooperation with Mongolia, Republic of Belarus, FEMA of USA, and Kyrgyzstan, etc. He was Leader of the Research Planning Team and the Geotechnical Disaster Prevention Team in NDMI and his project management experience includes the Three Sub-regional Project on DRR in partnership with GFDRR in the Asia and Pacific region and Guideline Development for the Integration of CCA and DRR into Sustainable Development for Green Growth. He was Associate Professor of Geophysics Department of Gangwon National University in 2011 and Visiting Faculty for Earthquake Engineering and Geotechnical Engineering of various universities in Korea since 2006. He obtained Ph.D. degree from Cornell University in 1998, M.S. from the University of Florida in 1992, and B.S. from Korea University in 1990. He is also registered and authorized Expert Reviewer for IPCC SREX, and awarded by the Korean Presidential Meritoriousness Award in 2010. Email:dpark3@worldbank.org

Jean-Baptiste Migraine is a Disaster Risk Management Specialist. Since 2001, he contributed to DRM programs within organizations as diverse as the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organisation, the French National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, a Bolivian Hydrogeological NGO, the French Research for Development Institute (IRD), the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and a World Bank’s Country Office, in more than 8 countries. He has provided technical support to the establishment of specific DRM joint work programming involving UN, regional development agencies and the civil society, at international, regional and national levels. Mr. Migraine's technical areas of expertise include integrated flood management, early warning systems, disaster preparedness plans, return on experience, as well as strengthening collaboration, information sharing and governance for optimal disaster risk management effectiveness. He is a French national, and holds two Master degrees: Development Economics and Environmental and Risk Management Studies. Email: jmigraine@worldbank.org

Dillip Kumar Bhanja is Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Specialist, based in Seoul, Korea. He brings with him more than 15 years of disaster risk reduction experience with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN-Habitat, and Lutheran World Service in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and India. Mr. Bhanja has also provided technical support in establishment of the national disaster risk reduction (DRR) platform and strategy through UNDP – Armenia and has done remarkable work on DRR in post-Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and was instrumental in effective coordination, development of various guidelines and support in development of the National DRR Action Plan. He was actively involved in the post-disaster needs assessment (PDNA) process in Myanmar and also developed a multi-year recovery and preparedness plan. During his past professional career he has closely worked with various line ministries on various DRR programs. Mr. Bhanja has also facilitated in signing a five-year memorandum of understanding between Korea and GFDRR/World Bank on DRR and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) following his technical assistance to the 4th Ministerial Conference on DRR. Currently based in Seoul, Korea he is providing technical assistance and facilitate joint program between Korea and GFDRR/World Bank for the Asia and Pacific region. Mr. Bhanja holds a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW). Email: dbhanja@worldbank.org

Chencho Tshering is a secondee from the Royal Government of Bhutan. He works with the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Ministry of Home & Cultural Affairs since January 2006. The Department of Disaster is the National Coordination Agency for Disaster Management in Bhutan. There he is responsible to coordinate and facilitate the formulation and preparation of disaster management plans, guidelines and mainstreaming disaster risk reduction initiatives into districts, sectoral plans, policies and development activities. Mr. Tshering was also heavily involved in the formulation of Disaster Management Bill of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2011. In addition, he is the Project Coordinator for the National Adaptation Programs of Action (NAPAs) follow-up project “Reducing Climate Change-induced Risks and Vulnerabilities from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods in the Punakha-Wangdi and Chamkhar Valleys” funded by Global Environment Facility through Least Developed Countries (LDCs)in Bhutan.Mr. Tshering has Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Environmental studies from the North Bengal University, India and and completed professional courses at the Indian Administrative Service at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, India. Email: ctshering@worldbank.org

Roshin Joseph is a Monitoring & Evaluation Analyst with GFDRR's Central Results Team (CRT) and focuses on the GFDRR Results Agenda and the World Reconstruction Conference. Prior to GFDRR, Mr. Joseph worked with the Africa Region's Finance and Private Sector Development department on a regional integration initiative in the East African Community and successfully completed an ICT investment project with the IFC in South Africa. He also served in several strategic capacities, delivering quality and business analytics in the private sector and held leadership positions with an NGO in India. Born and raised in Kuwait, Mr. Joseph earned his Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Visveswaraya Technological University and holds an MBA from Georgetown University. E-mail: rjoseph3@worldbank.org

Jack Campbell is a Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Specialist for the DRM country programme portfolio (Track II). He brings with him over seven years experience in the international development and humanitarian sectors. He has worked as part of frontline teams responding to major humanitarian crises, including the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, and more recently the 2008 cyclone in Myanmar, where he helped the United Kingdom (UK) Government target financing to build better disaster preparedness in the country in the wake of the catastrophe. Most recently, Mr, Campbell was an adviser to the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) on disaster risk reduction policy and operations, where he focussed on engaging civil society and the academic community, and improving impact assessment. Previously he held various positions with ActionAid, a major international NGO at the forefront of efforts to bridge the gap between humanitarian and longer term development interventions. He is a British national and holds a degree in Geography and Hispanic Studies from the University of Birmingham, UK and La Universidad Veracruzana, Mexico. Email: jcampbell2@worldbank.org

Vica Rosario Bogaerts a Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Analyst working for the Track II team since 2010. She is responsible for mainstreaming DRM into World Bank development strategies and engaged in various portfolio management activities. As the focal point  for the Latin America and Caribbean Region (LCR), she provides cross-support to the Haiti DRM team.  Prior, she worked in United States Congress with the Foreign Affairs Committee, the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the Netherlands Embassy in Khartoum. She also volunteered in Kosovo and conducted extensive field research in Cambodia. She holds a Master's degree in International Relations & International Economics from Johns Hopkins University (SAIS) and a Master's Degree in History from the University of Amsterdam. Email: vbogaerts@worldbank.org
 

Jaeeun Chung is a Monitoring & Evaluation Analyst in GFDRR’s Central Results Team (CRT) and the Gender Focal Point of GFDRR. She focuses on the World Reconstruction Report, Track III Results operationalization and gender-related disaster issues. Prior to GFDRR, she has worked at European Union Delegation in Seoul, Korea and has assisted research in psychology and neuroscience. A native of South Korea, she has a Master's in Public Policy at Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at University of Michigan. Email: jchung2@worldbank.org

Raja Rehan Arshad is the Track III Team Leader and has worked in the development field for over 25 years. He has been with the World Bank for the last 18 years. He has worked mainly in South Asia and has also done some work in East Asia. He has worked in Water and Sanitation, Urban, Rural Development, Decentralization, Post-Conflict and Disaster Risk Management sectors. He was the co-TTL of the PDNA done after the 2005 Pakistan earthquake and the preparation of the Emergency Recovery Project (ERP).  He was the TTL for the project during implementation. He has led numerous PDNAs including one in Myanmar, East Asia. He has prepared investment and emergency projects including fresh financing and additional financing. In his previous assignment, he was Lead Operations Officer in South Asia Urban, Water and DRM Unit of the Sustainable Development Department. Email: rarshad@worldbank.org

Katalin Demeter is a Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist with primary responsibility of strengthening disaster risk reduction capacity within the Bank and in client countries. She is in charge for developing innovative knowledge products in Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), Rapid Response and in disaster mitigation. She brings more than 20 years of experience working with developing countries focusing on sustainable development and poverty reductions. Previously, Ms. Demeter worked in the World Bank Institute as senior urban specialist focusing on designing comprehensive learning programs in DRM.  Prior of joining WBI she represented her native country, Hungary,  in the Board of Directors of the World Bank. Ms. Demeter is an Economist, holds an M.A. and Doctorate from Budapest University of Economics and PhD from University of Connecticut. Email: kdemeter@worldbank.org  

Rami Quttaineh joined GFDRR's sustainable recovery (Track III) as Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist part of the Kuwait Recruitment Program. Mr. Quttaineh has more than eleven years corporate and project management experience as a Regional Disaster Mitigation Manager for Michael Baker Corporation which is a Federal Contractor to the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); as Project Manager for Pan Arab Consulting Engineers (PACE) in Kuwait; and as Project Engineer for Denmon Engineering Company in U.S.A. Mr. Quttaineh have managed large, multi-disciplinary engineering projects and disaster risk management programs for a variety of Federal, State and local agencies including FEMA, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and California Department of Transportation. Mr. Quttaineh is a Kuwaiti National and holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees in Civil Engineering from Louisiana Tech University in the United States. Email: rquttaineh@worldbank.org

Ghadeer Ashram  is a Research Analyst who focuses on Disaster Risk Management, Capacity Building, Knowledge Management and Learning. She works on the Results Based Monitoring System (RBMS), an internal system that helps to track the project portfolio for Track III. She is also in charge of providing strategic support for the internal and external learning program by assisting in the implementation of the rapid response and recovery capacity development program. In addition, she provides support to the learning team in the development of training courses in GFDRR Partnership Learning Series, and the development of innovative knowledge products in Post Disaster Needs Assessment. Ms. Ashram is a Saudi national who has earned her Master’s degree in Finance from the George Washington University (GW), Washington, DC. Email: gashram@worldbank.org

Victoria Salinas is a Chilean-American from Austin, Texas dedicated to helping communities in crisis come back better and stronger following natural and human-caused disasters.  In September 2011, Ms. Salinas joined GFDRR’s Sustainable Recovery Team (SRFF/Track III) as a Disaster Risk Management specialist focused on strengthening GFDRR’s post-disaster support to countries and facilitating donor coordination and partnerships.  Immediately prior, Ms. Salinas was Deputy Branch Chief for Long-term Community Recovery at the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, where she joined in 2005 (following Hurricane Katrina) to help build and deliver an interagency program that aids states and communities with redevelopment planning, coordination, and resource mobilization.  While at FEMA, Ms. Salinas helped lead numerous federal disaster recovery field operations, and spearhead development of the US’s National Disaster Recovery Framework.  Ms. Salinas also brings with her post-conflict recovery experience as a coordinator of United Nations peace building projects, Strategic Planner for the State Department’s Office of Reconstruction and Stabilization, and as a researcher for the World Bank’s Post Conflict Unit.   She has a Master's from Harvard University and Bachelor's from Georgetown University. Email: vsalinas@worldbank.org
 

Olivia Bertolaso is a Specialist working for the Standby Recovery Financing Facility (Track III) of the GFDRR. As such, she is part of the rapid response team focusing on Post Disaster Needs Assessments (PDNAs) and disaster surveillance. She also works on donor coordination within Track III and is the coordinator of the Disaster Risk Management Global Expert Team. Prior to her current position, Ms. Bertolaso worked in the investment banking industry and for a management consulting firm, in its Financial Institutions Group. An Italian national, she holds a degree in International Economics and Management and a Master’s degree in Economics and Management of Public Administration and International Organizations from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Email: obertolaso@worldbank.org

Berna Yekeler is a Consultant working on GFDRR's Knowledge and Learning Team. Her main responsibility is to organize online and face-to-face Disaster Risk Management (DRM) learning activities in developing countries to raise the awareness of the socioeconomic impacts of natural disasters and how to mitigate them. She cooperates with local partners on designing, marketing and launching the capacity building activities ensuring timely delivery and effective learning environment. She assists in the development of new DRM online-courses and knowledge products by bringing together different components, coordinating peer review processes and making sure that GFDRR quality standards are achieved. Prior to joining GFDRR, Ms. Yekeler has worked for World Bank Institute Disaster Risk Management Capacity Building Program. She holds a Master's degree in Project Management from George Washington University. Email: byekeler@worldbank.org

Sajid Anwar is a Disaster Risk Management Specialist for GFDRR’s Sustainable Recovery team, focusing on post-disaster rapid response and recovery operations.   He is the Track III focal point for updates to the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) methodology that will incorporate climate change adaptation and other environmental and sustainability concerns.  Mr. Anwar is also tasked with evaluating gender dimensions in post-disaster operations and updating PDNA guidelines to reflect these issues.  Prior to joining GFDRR, Mr. Anwar worked as a research assistant at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars on environmental change and security issues, and brings experience from his time on Capitol Hill working on environmental and climate change legislation.  Mr. Anwar is a native of North Carolina and holds a Masters in Global Environmental Policy from American University and a Bachelor’s in Biology from Duke University. Email: sanwar@worldbank.org

Olivier Mahul is the Program Coordinator of the World Bank Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance Program which aims to mainstream disaster risk financing within the disaster risk management and climate change adaptation agenda. Mr. Mahul also coordinates the Insurance for the Poor Program, which provides the client countries with technical assistance on the design and implementation of insurance products.  Since he joined the World Bank in 2003, Mr. Mahul has been involved in designing and implementing disaster risk financing solutions in several developing countries: Colombia, Costa Rica, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mongolia, India, etc.  Mr. Mahul is one of the architects of the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, and he is currently leading a similar initiative in the Pacific region. Mr. Mahul holds a Ph.D. in Economics of Risk and Insurance from Toulouse School of Economics and a post-doctorate from Wharton Business School and University of California at Berkeley.  Mr. Mahul has authored more than 30 publications in international journals and won several academic awards.  He recently co-authored the books “Catastrophe Risk Financing in Developing Countries: Principles for Public Intervention” (with J. David Cummins) and “Government Support to Agricultural Insurance: Challenges and Options for Developing Countries” (with Charles Stutley). Email: omahul@worldbank.org

Emily White is a Disaster Risk Financing Specialist working for the World Bank Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance team. Her role focuses on mainstreaming disaster risk financing and insurance within national disaster risk management frameworks and climate change adaptation agendas for client countries.  Ms. White brings more than six years of experience from the private sector, having worked most recently as a Catrastrophe Exposure Management Executive at Lloyd's of London and a Senior Consultant in the Capital Markets team at Risk Management Solutions. At Lloyd's Ms. White was responsible for exposure management oversight for a portfolio of syndicates and was also involved in the development of the Lloyd's Model for Solvency II. issuance.  Her portfolio of alternative risk transfer projects for international insurance and reinsurance clients includes the first bond to utilize an off-the-shelf parametric index for European windstorm risk and the first transaction to utilize a parametric index for UK river flood risk.  A British national, Ms. White holds an M.A. in Physical Sciences from the University of Cambridge. E-mail: ewhite3@worldbank.org

Laura Boudreau is a Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance Analyst working for the World Bank Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance (DRFI) Program which aims to mainstream DRFI within the disaster risk management and climate change adaptation agenda. Ms. Boudreau's work focuses on assessing disaster risk financing and insurance development in low- and middle-income countries and developing strategies to incorporate fiscal disaster risk assessment into government's fiscal risk management, develop national disaster risk financing and insurance strategies, and foster catastrophe risk insurance market growth. Ms. Boudreau has formally worked as a research associate at the Wharton Risk Management and Decision Processes Center and for the Europa Reinsurance Facility Ltd. Ms. Boudreau is an American national with a background in applied economics, risk analysis, and globalization; she graduated with a business degree from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Email: lboudreau@worldbank.org

Ligia Vado Sequeira has 10 years of experience in applied economic research on agricultural risks, insurance and the economics of natural disasters.  Ms. Vado Sequeira completed a Ph.D. in Economics from North Carolina State University with concentrations on agricultural economics and international trade. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the interaction of agricultural technology and catastrophic weather risks, as well as on the design and policy analysis of an insurance program against catastrophic weather events. Upon Ph.D. completion, Ms. Vado Sequeira  was granted a visiting research economist position in the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she conducted research on the effects of genetically modified crops adoption on production risks to weather extremes. She finished a B.S in Economics and Finance in her home country, Nicaragua and completed a M.Sc. in Agricultural and Applied Economics from Texas Tech University. As a research associate for this school, she worked in multiple research projects funded by the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Risk Management Agency . Ms. Vado Sequeira is a published author and has presented multiple research papers on the economics of disasters in various professional conferences. Email: lvadosequeira@worldbank.org

Milen Dyoulgerov is responsible for strengthening the synergy between Climate Change Adaptation and the Disaster Risk Management in Bank operations. Mr. Dyoulgerov  joined GFDRR from the World Bank's Climate Change Team, where he was engaged in the development and implementation of the World Bank Group's (WBG) Strategic Framework for Development and Climate Change. He also led the designing of a Results Framework for the WBG climate action, worked on adaptation programming and strategy issues, and provided expert advise and operational support with focus on coastal and nature-based adaptation. A graduate of the Bulgarina Naval Academy,Mr. Dyoulgerov also holds an M.A. in Philosophy and History of Science and a PhD in Marine Policy with focus on integrate coastal zone management. Email: mdyoulgerov@worldbank.org

Vladimir Tsirkunov is the Team Leader of GFDRR's Weather and Climate Information for Decision Support (WCIDS) Program, which works as a service center providing analytical, advisory and implementation support for World Bank teams. Mr. Tsirkunov has over 30 years of scientific, applied technical and project management experience in environmental and natural resource management mostly in the Europe and Central Asia region. Prior to joining the World Bank in 1994, he was the Head of the Laboratory of the Supervision of the USSR (Russian) System of Hydrochemical Monitoring and Water Quality Data Collection. Since joining the Bank, he has worked on projects related to the preparation, appraisal and operational supervision of environmental investments, technical assistance and Global Environment Facility projects. Email: vtsirkunov@worldbank.org

Lucy Hancock a Consultant for the World Bank since1997, she has more than 10 years of experience in disaster risk reduction in weather and climate-related projects and studies, inter alia in Russian Federation, Albania, Georgia, Kyrgyz Republic, Serbia and Ghana.  She is an American national with an undergraduate degree in Astronomy from Harvard University and a PhD in Physics and Astronomy from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. Email: lhancock@worldbank.org

Hemang Karelia is a Disaster Risk Management Analyst focusing on Knowledge Management initiatives. He specializes in using information and communications technologies (ICT) and geographic information systems (GIS) for disaster risk management (DRM) and provides cross-cutting technical and strategic support to GFDRR’s results-based management system (RBMS), Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and other knowledge management systems. He also leads GFDRR's Disaster Aid Tracking initiative which tracks global aid and investments in disaster risk reduction, recovery and reconstruction. Prior to joining GFDRR, Mr. Karelia worked for 9 years on post-disaster and post-conflict situations with various UN agencies, governments, and technology firms in the field of information management and DRM. He is an Indian national with an undergraduate degree in Instrumentation Engineering and a Master’s degree in Information Systems. Email: hkarelia@worldbank.org 

Emma Phillips, a Consultant for GFDRR Labs, works primarily on developing the Understanding Risk community, an on-line network of risk experts and technologists showcasing innovation in disaster risk assessment. In addition, Ms. Phillips works on developing non-traditional partnerships and engaging the Volunteer Technical Community (VTC). Prior to joining the Labs team, she worked in the Latin America and Caribbean Region Disaster Risk Management team on developing the communication strategy for the Central American Probabilistic Risk Assessment (CAPRA) initiative; supporting the implementation of the Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option (CAT DDO) instruments in Costa Rica, Colombia and Guatemala; engaging VTCs with the Random Hacks of Kindness initiative; and organizing the Understanding Risk: Innovation in Disaster Risk Assessment conference in June 2010. Before joining the World Bank, Ms. Phillips worked as a Researcher and Asset Manager for National Geographic’s Expeditions Council. A South African national, she has a Master's degree in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies. Email: ephillips@worldbank.org

Sahar Safaie is a Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Specialist at GFDRR Lab team. She specializes in disaster risk modeling and its decision making applications  in development, disaster mitigation and disaster response planning. Ms. Safaie is an earthquake engineer with experience in structural design, product management, earthquake risk mitigation, and risk modeling. Prior to joining GFDRR she has worked as a product manager at Risk Management Solutions Inc. (RMS) focusing on probabilistic earthquake risk models of Mexico, Central and South America. In past few years, Ms. Safaie has been involved in various initiatives on promotion of earthquake resistance construction at Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI).  She is a native of Iran and holds a Master's degree in Earthquake Engineering from the University of British Colulmbia, Vancouver, Canada. Email: ssafaie@worldbank.org

Abigail Baca is a Consultant in the GFDRR Labs team. She specializes in the application of probabilistic risk modeling techniques in disaster risk management projects. Prior to joining GFDRR, she worked as natural catastrophe risk modeler and product manager gaining six years of international, multi-peril modeling experience at Risk Management Solutions Inc. (RMS). Ms. Baca served as a vulnerability engineer for multiple projects including probabilistic earthquake and climate risk models for the Americas and Europe. She earned a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University and a M.S. in Structural Engineering from University of California, San Diego. Email: abaca@worldbank.org

Ariel Núñez, a Consultant of GFDRR Labs, is responsible for the development of open source software tools to help with data management and decision making for disaster risk reduction. He is a core developer of GeoNode and Risk in a Box. His work program includes providing technical assitance and training to client countries on implementing the aforementioned tools for building resilience. He is a Colombian national and holds an Electronic Engineering degree from the Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla. Email: anunezgomez@worldbank.org
 

Sawsan Gad is a Mapping and GIS Data Analyst at GFDRR Labs. Her major responsibilities are post-disaster mapping and GIS data curation as a component of strategic data preparedness. Prior to joining GFDRR, she worked as a GIS Data Analyst for UNDP on developing the MDG Monitor initiative. She also worked in Egypt with grassroot NGOs as well as the Egyptian government on a variety of issues related to gender, good governance, and freedom of information policy. Ms. Gad earned her M.A. degree in Demographic and Social Analysis form the University of California, Irvine, and a Bachelor of Commerce from Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt. Email: sgad@worldbank.org

Keiko Saito is a member of the Labs team, specializing in the application of geospatial data for Disaster Risk Assessment. She brings with her more than 10 years of experience in this field. Her current primary focus is the standardization and mainstreaming of the use of remotely sensed data and other geospatial tools for effective risk assessment and management throughout the disaster cycle from preparedness through to recovery and reconstruction. Prior to joining the Bank, she has been working in multidisciplinary risk management/assessment teams at Cambridge Architectural Research Ltd as a Director, as Willis Research Fellow and as a Senior Research Associate at the Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge. A native of Japan, she has a PhD on the use of remotely sensed data for post-earthquake damage assessment from University of Cambridge, UK. Email: ksaito2@worldbank.org

Judy Lai is the Resource Management Analyst for GFDRR in charge of the financial management of multi-donor trust funds program. Ms. Lai supports all aspects of resource management including budget planning, allocation and financial reporting on donor contributions. In addition, she also handles legal agreements with World Bank and GFDRR donors. Prior working at GFDRR, Ms. Lai has years of budgetary experiences working with East Asia and Pacific Region. Her past experiences also include working at the former Human Resources Sector Department for Indonesia, Poverty and Gender Program and Health Sector Department in East Asia and Pacific.   Ms. Lai holds the Bachelor's degree in Office Management at Brigham Young University. Email: jlai@worldbank.org

Karen Ravenelle-Smith brings 18 years experience to the World Bank, 16 of which in operations in the Latin America and Caribbean Region.  During that period, she developed and issued operations training courses to all staff levels. Prior to joining the Bank, Ms. Ravenelle-Smith worked in the private sector in Brazil for 12 years with companies such as CNN, J. Walter Thompson, and ABN AMRO Bank. A dual citizen of Uruguay and the United States, Ms. Ravenelle-Smith grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese, aside of having a good knowledge of French and Italian. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Psychology, and worked in her native Brazil as Child Psychologist. A recent member of the GFDRR team, she serves as Senior Executive Assistant and works mainly with Tracks II and III, and the Deputy Manager. Email: kravenelle@worldbank.org

Max Jira works as a Program Assistant. He brings in extensive experience as a SAP Transaction processor on World Bank's financial systems, event management and administrative matters. Prior to joining GFDRR, he worked with the World Bank's Public Sector and Governance (PRMPS) unit under Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Network for 11 years. Mr. Jira is a Thailand-born US National and has an MBA in Business Administration from Strayer University, USA. Email: mjira@worldbank.org

Alisa Lertvalaikul works as a Program Assistant for GFDRR secretariat operations as well as assists in the logistics and organization of disaster related events. Ms. Lertvalaikul brings 5 years experience in operations knowledge and coordination skills from her work with the multinational pharmaceutical company as an intervention specialist. Ms. Lertvalaikul holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science concentrated in Biomedical Science from Mahidol University, Thailand and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Strayer University. Email: alertvalaikul@worldbank.org

Jaime Yepez is an Information Officer in the Sustainable Development Information Solutions Team at the World Bank. He specializes in Information Systems Development, Business Analysis and IT Project Management. He has led the development and implementation of various IT projects for the GFDRR and other Global Partnerships. Prior to joining the World Bank, he worked for the Pan American Health Organization in Washington DC managing procurement information systems. Mr. Yepez holds a degree in Information Systems from the Washington Adventist University in Washington DC. Email: jyepez@worldbank.org

Chunxiang Zhang joined GFDRR as an Operations Analyst. She brings with her an extensive experience of operations and Trust Fund management while she worked for the World Bank Office in Beijing. She now works on Trust Fund Administrative Agreements, portfolio management as well as GFDRR staff-related hiring. Ms. Zhang is a Chinese National and has an MBA from Renmin University, Faculty of Commerce, Beijing, China. Email: czhang@worldbank.org