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Our Team & Board

IMPACT’s work is delivered by a diverse global team and guided by a volunteer Board of Directors committed to transparency, integrity, and community-led change. Together, we support natural resource governance that improves security, development, and equality.

Leadership

Meet our leadership team.

IMPACT’s leadership team oversees strategy, operations, and the organization’s global programs. Their work ensures our mission is grounded in community needs and informed by evidence and expertise.

Joanne Lebert

Joanne Lebert

Executive Director

Canada

Joanne Lebert

Executive Director | Canada

Joanne joined IMPACT in 2011 and leads our work to improve how natural resources are managed where security and human rights are at risk. Her work has focused on contributing to responsibly-sourced, conflict-free minerals and she has helped Central African governments launch and implement a regional strategy to tackle conflict minerals. Joanne is a policy advisor, frequent guest speaker, and trainer to policymakers, private sector representatives, and civil society organizations.

Previously, Joanne was based at the University of Ottawa’s Human Rights Research and Education Centre. She focused on gender-based violence in conflict settings in Africa and how it is impacted by the extractives industry. She was also Deputy Director of the Canadian non-profit, Peacebuild, where she worked to strengthen Canadian foreign policy options and practice. She carried out anthropological fieldwork for her doctoral studies in Namibia and Angola and was a Visiting Fellow in Refugee Studies at the University of Oxford. She has lectured at Carleton University and worked for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia, Amnesty International, and CARE International in Zambia.

Yann Lebrat

Yann Lebrat

Deputy Executive Director

Canada

Yann Lebrat

Deputy Executive Director | Canada

Yann joined IMPACT in 2024 and oversees our programmes and global systems. In this role, he works with our global team and country programmes to support delivery and improve organisational performance. Yann is an experienced international development project designer and implementer, having previously headed the governance and economic reform practice at Cowater International. Prior to this, he worked at Adam Smith International on extractive industries governance and economic development programmes, and at Verisk Maplecroft as a human rights analyst for the extractive sector. Yann has implemented projects in a variety of fragile and conflict afflicted states ranging from Mali to Mozambique, including a posting in DR Congo. Yann holds a Masters in Global Politics from the London School of Economics, where he wrote his thesis on the role of extractive industries on civil conflict.

Board of Directors

Guided By Dedicated Volunteers.

IMPACT is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who provide oversight and strategic direction for the organization’s work. Their leadership reflects a commitment to accountability, transparency, and community-led change.

Shivani Kannabhiran

Shivani Kannabhiran

President

France

Shivani Kannabhiran

President | France

Shivani is a leader in sustainability with expertise in risk-based due diligence, human rights and community engagement.  She has worked in the private, public and non-profit sectors, and is an advocate of gender equality and a just climate transition. She is currently Social & Communities, Sustainability Director at Danone, where she ensures that business decisions support thriving communities and address negative impacts. At the OECD, she worked with policy makers and regulators to support implementation of OECD recommendations on supply chain due diligence in the Minerals and Agriculture sectors. She has advised multinational companies, investors, and policymakers on integrating international standards on human rights, labor and the environment into policy and operations. She is a graduate of Smith College (BA) and Insead (MBA).

Edward Blight

Edward Blight

Treasurer

United Kingdom

Edward Blight

Treasurer | United Kingdom


Edward is the LBMA’s Chief Finance Officer. He directs and defines the organization’s Financial and Business Operations strategies and is the business process lead for all Membership matters. He is also responsible for the LBMA’s Human Resources, Technology, Contractual Support, Commercialisation, and Office Management functions. His career includes 31 successful years in the British Army, where he saw service in many countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Since leaving the Army, he has worked successfully within the commercial sector, running major multi-site logistics and fulfillment operations with significant P&L responsibility. He moved into the Precious Metals sector in 2012, and before joining the LBMA, he led the development of all Precious Metals Operations capability and facilities at G4S Cash Solutions UK Limited, where he worked in partnership with Deutsche Bank AG to build and operate a state-of-the-art Precious Metals vaulting capability.

Louise Ouimet

Louise Ouimet

Secretary

Canada

Louise Ouimet

Secretary | Canada

Louise has dedicated her career to international development, joining the Canadian International Development Agency in 1973. She served in West Africa, including as Ambassador and Head of Development in Burkina Faso and Mali. Louise specialized in governance of public institutions and performance management through consultancies in Africa and Pakistan. She was Chair of the Africa Study Group and is a board member of Oxfam-Quebec. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from ENAP, Canada, and is a certified Mediator (Third Party Neutral) from the Canadian Institute of Conflict Resolution.

Anthony Goerzen

Anthony Goerzen

Board Member

Canada

Anthony Goerzen

Board Member | Canada

Anthony  is the Sobey Professor of International Business at Smith School of Business of Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Prior to academia, Anthony spent fifteen years in various management positions in both small companies and large corporations. His current research interests relate to global supply chain governance practices by multinational corporations with a particular focus on social justice and environmental stewardship. His research has been published in several books as well as a number of academic journals including Strategic Management Journal, Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of Management, Management International Review, Journal of International Management, Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Peking University Business Review, Ivey Business Journal, Academy of Management Perspectives, and Journal of Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Bocar Thiam

Bocar Thiam

Board Member

United States

Bocar Thiam

Board Member | United States


Bocar is an expert in land and resource governance with over 25 years of leadership and technical experience. He has served as Project Manager, Country Director, and Chief of Party, working on land tenure rights, extractive industries, biodiversity conservation, and local governance across Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Bocar spent 15 years leading a U.S. government-funded conflict minerals program supporting Kimberley Process compliance in West and Central Africa. He has extensive experience managing environmental and social governance projects for large mining companies in Guinea, guiding national policy reforms on land tenure in West Africa, and conducting environmental impact assessments for infrastructure projects in East Africa. He holds a Master’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Management from Ball State University, USA.

Carl Bruch

Carl Bruch

Board Member

United States

Carl Bruch

Board Member | United States

Carl is the Director of International Programs at the Environmental Law Institute and founding President of the Environmental Peacebuilding Association (EnPAx). His work centers on environmental peacebuilding, governance, adaptation, and emergencies, especially in post-conflict settings. Carl has assisted numerous countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe in strengthening environmental laws, institutions, and practices. He has edited more than ten books and authored over 80 journal articles, book chapters, and reports. Carl is an adjunct professor at American University School of International Service. He holds a JD from the Northwestern School of Environmental Law of Lewis & Clark College, an MA in physics (with additional majors in mathematics and anthropology) from the University of Texas-Austin, and a BS in physics from Michigan State University.

Guus Houttuin

Guus Houttuin

Board Member

Netherlands

Guus Houttuin

Board Member | Netherlands

Guus was Senior Trade Advisor to the EU’s External Action Service until August 2022 and chaired the OECD Multi-stakeholder Steering Group on responsible minerals until April 2023. He led the foreign and development policy pillars of the EU Responsible Minerals Regulation, drafting the EU guidelines on conflict-affected and high-risk areas. Guus initiated the EU-OECD relationship on responsible minerals and due diligence/RBC and advised on EU laws on corporate sustainability, critical raw materials, and labor rights. He represented the EU at the WTO and was a Legal Adviser to the Council of the EU in Brussels. He also advises the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals and is a part-time associate with the German lobbying/law firm Alber & Geiger.

Issa Dominique Konate

Issa Dominique Konate

Board Member

Burkina Faso

Issa Dominique Konate

Board Member | Burkina Faso

Issa is a seasoned Strategic Management Consultant with over 45 years of diverse professional experience. He has served as an independent consultant and was a Special Advisor to the President of Burkina Faso, focusing on Energy, Mines, and Quarries. Issa has significant expertise in the management of extractive and energy industries, strategic partnerships, and corporate governance. His previous roles include Regional Director for West Africa at AECOM Consultants and various top management positions at Shell Oil. Issa holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Montreal. He is also a dedicated educator and board member for several institutions.

Katherine Evans

Katherine Evans

Board Member

Canada

Katherine Evans

Board Member | Canada


Katharine is a Partner and Co-Owner at Boreala Management, overseeing finance, human resources, and operations. She advises community-rooted organizations, specializing in Change Management, Organizational Effectiveness, Human Resources, and Organizational Development, with extensive experience supporting Indigenous entities. Katharine has over 25 years of experience working with global corporations, family-owned businesses, and public-sector organizations, including leadership roles in retail and distribution. She holds an MBA from HEC Montréal, a BA from McGill University, and certifications in Coaching Ourselves facilitation, Prosci Change Management, and mediation from the ADR Learning Institute.

Leah Butler

Leah Butler

Board Member

United States

Leah Butler

Board Member | United States


Leah works at Meta, advancing programs for safe and fair working conditions and environmental stewardship within manufacturing and minerals supply chains. She has 18 years of experience in responsible minerals, human rights, assurance, and regulatory compliance. As Vice President of Responsible Sourcing at the Responsible Business Alliance, she developed industry standards and partnerships aligned with OECD frameworks and US/EU regulations. She holds a BA in Environmental Science from UC Berkeley, and Master’s degrees in Environmental Management and International Relations from Yale University.

Pamela Fierst-Walsh

Pamela Fierst-Walsh

Board Member

United States

Pamela Fierst-Walsh

Board Member | United States

Pamela is the CEO of PFW Advisory, offering advisory services on regulatory and supply chain needs, focusing on environmental, social, and governance aspects. She is the former U.S. Representative to the Kimberley Process and Senior Advisor for Conflict and Critical Minerals at the U.S. Department of State. Pamela has over 18 years in global affairs, including as VP of Traceability at PVH, overseeing global traceability for Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein. She holds a J.D. from the Maurer School of Law at Indiana University, and a Master’s in National Strategic Studies from the National War College.

Our Team

A global team working toward shared goals.

Our staff bring together a wide range of skills and perspectives from across the world. They work collaboratively with partners and communities to support responsible natural resource management.

Abdoulata Dabire

Abdoulata Dabire

AFECCOR Specialist

Burkina Faso

Abdoulata Dabire

AFECCOR Specialist | Burkina Faso

Alexandre Gakiza

Alexandre Gakiza

Finance and Administration Officer

Burundi

Alexandre Gakiza

Finance and Administration Officer | Burundi

Ali Attab

Ali Attab

Financial Controller

Canada

Ali Attab

Financial Controller | Canada

Alice Bihame Soki

Alice Bihame Soki

Finance and Administration Officer

Democratic Republic of Congo

Alice Bihame Soki

Finance and Administration Officer | Democratic Republic of Congo

Alphée Nkulu Mwepu

Alphée Nkulu Mwepu

Driver

Democratic Republic of Congo

Alphée Nkulu Mwepu

Driver | Democratic Republic of Congo

Armel Nganzi

Armel Nganzi

Technical Advisor

Democratic Republic of Congo

Armel Nganzi

Technical Advisor | Democratic Republic of Congo

Aurélie Sylla

Aurélie Sylla

Finance and Administration Officer

Côte d'Ivoire

Aurélie Sylla

Finance and Administration Officer | Côte d'Ivoire

Blandine Mpiana Musamba

Blandine Mpiana Musamba

Community Agent

Democratic Republic of Congo

Blandine Mpiana Musamba

Community Agent | Democratic Republic of Congo

Brahima Bakayoko

Brahima Bakayoko

Country Representative

Côte d'Ivoire

Brahima Bakayoko

Country Representative | Côte d'Ivoire

Brice Felicien Mani

Brice Felicien Mani

Programme Assistant

Côte d'Ivoire

Brice Felicien Mani

Programme Assistant | Côte d'Ivoire

Carmen Teichgraber

Carmen Teichgraber

Program Director

Canada

Carmen Teichgraber

Program Director | Canada

Cedrick Ilunga

Cedrick Ilunga

Finance and Administration Officer

Democratic Republic of Congo

Cedrick Ilunga

Finance and Administration Officer | Democratic Republic of Congo

Celine Koffi

Celine Koffi

Outreach Officer

Côte d'Ivoire

Celine Koffi

Outreach Officer | Côte d'Ivoire

Chad Vincent Kabamba

Chad Vincent Kabamba

Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, Accountability, and Learning Officer

Democratic Republic of Congo

Chad Vincent Kabamba

Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, Accountability, and Learning Officer | Democratic Republic of Congo

Chris Mvuye

Chris Mvuye

Human Resources Manager

Canada

Chris Mvuye

Human Resources Manager | Canada

Clément Ntshikie Kakiese

Clément Ntshikie Kakiese

Community Agent

Democratic Republic of Congo

Clément Ntshikie Kakiese

Community Agent | Democratic Republic of Congo

Dean Ocama Stewart

Dean Ocama Stewart

Environmental Advisor

Uganda

Dean Ocama Stewart

Environmental Advisor | Uganda

Dieu-Merci Missay

Dieu-Merci Missay

Communications Officer

Democratic Republic of Congo

Dieu-Merci Missay

Communications Officer | Democratic Republic of Congo

Elie Danga Abota

Elie Danga Abota

Deputy Program Manager

Democratic Republic of Congo

Elie Danga Abota

Deputy Program Manager | Democratic Republic of Congo

Eric Espoir Langba

Eric Espoir Langba

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

Democratic Republic of Congo

Eric Espoir Langba

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer | Democratic Republic of Congo

Félicien Mbikayi Cimanga

Félicien Mbikayi Cimanga

Country Representative

Democratic Republic of Congo

Félicien Mbikayi Cimanga

Country Representative | Democratic Republic of Congo

Floriane Prévert

Floriane Prévert

Program Coordinator-West Africa and Latin America

France

Floriane Prévert

Program Coordinator-West Africa and Latin America | France

Gisèle Eva Côté

Gisèle Eva Côté

Senior Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist

Canada

Gisèle Eva Côté

Senior Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist | Canada

Hamado Derra

Hamado Derra

Country Representative

Burkina Faso

Hamado Derra

Country Representative | Burkina Faso

Jacob Omal

Jacob Omal

Finance and Administration Officer

Uganda

Jacob Omal

Finance and Administration Officer | Uganda

Jean Akinyi

Jean Akinyi

Digital Communications Officer

Kenya

Jean Akinyi

Digital Communications Officer | Kenya

Jean Paul Lonema

Jean Paul Lonema

Deputy Program Leader

Democratic Republic of Congo

Jean Paul Lonema

Deputy Program Leader | Democratic Republic of Congo

Jean-Marc Pagé

Jean-Marc Pagé

Risk and Operations Director

Canada

Jean-Marc Pagé

Risk and Operations Director | Canada

Jérôme Sangwa Mulobelwa

Jérôme Sangwa Mulobelwa

Finance and Administration Manager

Democratic Republic of Congo

Jérôme Sangwa Mulobelwa

Finance and Administration Manager | Democratic Republic of Congo

Joel N’gouanlessa

Joel N’gouanlessa

Driver and Logistics Assistant

Côte d'Ivoire

Joel N’gouanlessa

Driver and Logistics Assistant | Côte d'Ivoire

Kady Seguin

Kady Seguin

Policy and Research Director

Canada

Kady Seguin

Policy and Research Director | Canada

Lucie Katusi Zahabu

Lucie Katusi Zahabu

Gender and Social Inclusion Officer

Democratic Republic of Congo

Lucie Katusi Zahabu

Gender and Social Inclusion Officer | Democratic Republic of Congo

Marcelin Kouakou

Marcelin Kouakou

Interim Finance Director

Côte d'Ivoire

Marcelin Kouakou

Interim Finance Director | Côte d'Ivoire

Marie Louise Kilundo

Marie Louise Kilundo

Community Agent

Democratic Republic of Congo

Marie Louise Kilundo

Community Agent | Democratic Republic of Congo

Marius Kouassi

Marius Kouassi

Project Finance Officer

Côte d'Ivoire

Marius Kouassi

Project Finance Officer | Côte d'Ivoire

Martha Katsi

Martha Katsi

Communications Officer

Zimbabwe

Martha Katsi

Communications Officer | Zimbabwe

Michel Yao Koffi

Michel Yao Koffi

Project Manager, planetGOLD

Côte d'Ivoire

Michel Yao Koffi

Project Manager, planetGOLD | Côte d'Ivoire

Milly Niyonkuru

Milly Niyonkuru

Accounts Officer

Canada

Milly Niyonkuru

Accounts Officer | Canada

Mollin Siwella

Mollin Siwella

ASGM Technical Specialist

Zimbabwe

Mollin Siwella

ASGM Technical Specialist | Zimbabwe

Musa Nuru Kitenge

Musa Nuru Kitenge

IT Coordinator

Canada

Musa Nuru Kitenge

IT Coordinator | Canada

Nyaradzo Mutonhori

Nyaradzo Mutonhori

Project Manager, planetGOLD

Zimbabwe

Nyaradzo Mutonhori

Project Manager, planetGOLD | Zimbabwe

Oscar Katho

Oscar Katho

Environment Officer

Democratic Republic of Congo

Oscar Katho

Environment Officer | Democratic Republic of Congo

Patience Christine Apio

Patience Christine Apio

Gender and Inclusion Officer

Uganda

Patience Christine Apio

Gender and Inclusion Officer | Uganda

Patrick Kanyangara

Patrick Kanyangara

Program Leader

Burundi

Patrick Kanyangara

Program Leader | Burundi

Polycarpe Kumasamba

Polycarpe Kumasamba

Program Manager

Democratic Republic of Congo

Polycarpe Kumasamba

Program Manager | Democratic Republic of Congo

Praise Mapeto

Praise Mapeto

Finance and Administration Officer

Zimbabwe

Praise Mapeto

Finance and Administration Officer | Zimbabwe

Prince Mutshipule Ependa

Prince Mutshipule Ependa

Community Agent

Democratic Republic of Congo

Prince Mutshipule Ependa

Community Agent | Democratic Republic of Congo

Rose Nakawuma

Rose Nakawuma

ASGM Association and Co-operative Officer

Uganda

Rose Nakawuma

ASGM Association and Co-operative Officer | Uganda

Sara Del Debbio

Sara Del Debbio

Programme Coordinator Francophone Africa

Italy

Sara Del Debbio

Programme Coordinator Francophone Africa | Italy

Sasha Caldera

Sasha Caldera

Campaign Director, Beneficial Ownership Project

Canada

Sasha Caldera

Campaign Director, Beneficial Ownership Project | Canada

Stéphane Ruganirwa Shukuru

Stéphane Ruganirwa Shukuru

M&E, Reporting, Accountability and Learning Officer

Democratic Republic of Congo

Stéphane Ruganirwa Shukuru

M&E, Reporting, Accountability and Learning Officer | Democratic Republic of Congo

Zuzia Danielski

Zuzia Danielski

Communications Director

Canada

Zuzia Danielski

Communications Director | Canada

Associates

Experts who Strengthen Our Work.

IMPACT works with a small group of Associates who bring specialized expertise to our research, programming, and strategic initiatives. Associates contribute experience from fields such as natural resource governance, gender equality, environmental stewardship, and responsible sourcing.

Lea Boucheron

Lea Boucheron

Business Development

Lea Boucheron

Business Development |

Peninah Asiimwe

Peninah Asiimwe

Communications Officer

Uganda

Peninah Asiimwe

Communications Officer | Uganda

Explore More

Careers & Tenders

Join a diverse team working to transform natural resource management.

Partners & Memberships

Explore the networks and collaborations that strengthen our impact.

Accountability

Learn how we uphold integrity, transparency, and safeguarding.