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
Executive Director
Canada
Joanne Lebert
Executive Director
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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
Deputy Executive Director
Canada
Yann Lebrat
Deputy Executive Director
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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
President
France
Shivani Kannabhiran
President
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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
Treasurer
United Kingdom
Edward Blight
Treasurer
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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
Secretary
Canada
Louise Ouimet
Secretary
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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
Board Member
Canada
Anthony Goerzen
Board Member
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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
Board Member
United States
Bocar Thiam
Board Member
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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
Board Member
United States
Carl Bruch
Board Member
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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
Board Member
Netherlands
Guus Houttuin
Board Member
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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
Board Member
Burkina Faso
Issa Dominique Konate
Board Member
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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
Board Member
Canada
Katherine Evans
Board Member
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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
Board Member
United States
Leah Butler
Board Member
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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
Board Member
United States
Pamela Fierst-Walsh
Board Member
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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
AFECCOR Specialist
Burkina Faso
Abdoulata Dabire
AFECCOR Specialist
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Burkina Faso
Alexandre Gakiza
Finance and Administration Officer
Burundi
Alexandre Gakiza
Finance and Administration Officer
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Burundi
Ali Attab
Financial Controller
Canada
Ali Attab
Financial Controller
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Canada
Alice Bihame Soki
Finance and Administration Officer
Democratic Republic of Congo
Alice Bihame Soki
Finance and Administration Officer
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Alphée Nkulu Mwepu
Driver
Democratic Republic of Congo
Alphée Nkulu Mwepu
Driver
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Armel Nganzi
Technical Advisor
Democratic Republic of Congo
Armel Nganzi
Technical Advisor
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Aurélie Sylla
Finance and Administration Officer
Côte d'Ivoire
Aurélie Sylla
Finance and Administration Officer
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Côte d'Ivoire
Blandine Mpiana Musamba
Community Agent
Democratic Republic of Congo
Blandine Mpiana Musamba
Community Agent
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Brahima Bakayoko
Country Representative
Côte d'Ivoire
Brahima Bakayoko
Country Representative
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Côte d'Ivoire
Brice Felicien Mani
Programme Assistant
Côte d'Ivoire
Brice Felicien Mani
Programme Assistant
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Côte d'Ivoire
Carmen Teichgraber
Program Director
Canada
Carmen Teichgraber
Program Director
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Canada
Cedrick Ilunga
Finance and Administration Officer
Democratic Republic of Congo
Cedrick Ilunga
Finance and Administration Officer
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Celine Koffi
Outreach Officer
Côte d'Ivoire
Celine Koffi
Outreach Officer
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Côte d'Ivoire
Chad Vincent Kabamba
Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, Accountability, and Learning Officer
Democratic Republic of Congo
Chad Vincent Kabamba
Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, Accountability, and Learning Officer
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Chris Mvuye
Human Resources Manager
Canada
Chris Mvuye
Human Resources Manager
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Canada
Clément Ntshikie Kakiese
Community Agent
Democratic Republic of Congo
Clément Ntshikie Kakiese
Community Agent
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Dean Ocama Stewart
Environmental Advisor
Uganda
Dean Ocama Stewart
Environmental Advisor
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Uganda
Dieu-Merci Missay
Communications Officer
Democratic Republic of Congo
Dieu-Merci Missay
Communications Officer
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Elie Danga Abota
Deputy Program Manager
Democratic Republic of Congo
Elie Danga Abota
Deputy Program Manager
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Eric Espoir Langba
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
Democratic Republic of Congo
Eric Espoir Langba
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Félicien Mbikayi Cimanga
Country Representative
Democratic Republic of Congo
Félicien Mbikayi Cimanga
Country Representative
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Floriane Prévert
Program Coordinator-West Africa and Latin America
France
Floriane Prévert
Program Coordinator-West Africa and Latin America
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France
Gisèle Eva Côté
Senior Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist
Canada
Gisèle Eva Côté
Senior Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist
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Canada
Hamado Derra
Country Representative
Burkina Faso
Hamado Derra
Country Representative
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Burkina Faso
Jacob Omal
Finance and Administration Officer
Uganda
Jacob Omal
Finance and Administration Officer
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Uganda
Jean Akinyi
Digital Communications Officer
Kenya
Jean Akinyi
Digital Communications Officer
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Kenya
Jean Paul Lonema
Deputy Program Leader
Democratic Republic of Congo
Jean Paul Lonema
Deputy Program Leader
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Jean-Marc Pagé
Risk and Operations Director
Canada
Jean-Marc Pagé
Risk and Operations Director
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Canada
Jérôme Sangwa Mulobelwa
Finance and Administration Manager
Democratic Republic of Congo
Jérôme Sangwa Mulobelwa
Finance and Administration Manager
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Joel N’gouanlessa
Driver and Logistics Assistant
Côte d'Ivoire
Joel N’gouanlessa
Driver and Logistics Assistant
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Côte d'Ivoire
Kady Seguin
Policy and Research Director
Canada
Kady Seguin
Policy and Research Director
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Canada
Lucie Katusi Zahabu
Gender and Social Inclusion Officer
Democratic Republic of Congo
Lucie Katusi Zahabu
Gender and Social Inclusion Officer
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Marcelin Kouakou
Interim Finance Director
Côte d'Ivoire
Marcelin Kouakou
Interim Finance Director
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Côte d'Ivoire
Marie Louise Kilundo
Community Agent
Democratic Republic of Congo
Marie Louise Kilundo
Community Agent
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Marius Kouassi
Project Finance Officer
Côte d'Ivoire
Marius Kouassi
Project Finance Officer
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Côte d'Ivoire
Martha Katsi
Communications Officer
Zimbabwe
Martha Katsi
Communications Officer
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Zimbabwe
Michel Yao Koffi
Project Manager, planetGOLD
Côte d'Ivoire
Michel Yao Koffi
Project Manager, planetGOLD
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Côte d'Ivoire
Milly Niyonkuru
Accounts Officer
Canada
Milly Niyonkuru
Accounts Officer
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Canada
Mollin Siwella
ASGM Technical Specialist
Zimbabwe
Mollin Siwella
ASGM Technical Specialist
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Zimbabwe
Musa Nuru Kitenge
IT Coordinator
Canada
Musa Nuru Kitenge
IT Coordinator
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Canada
Nyaradzo Mutonhori
Project Manager, planetGOLD
Zimbabwe
Nyaradzo Mutonhori
Project Manager, planetGOLD
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Zimbabwe
Oscar Katho
Environment Officer
Democratic Republic of Congo
Oscar Katho
Environment Officer
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Patience Christine Apio
Gender and Inclusion Officer
Uganda
Patience Christine Apio
Gender and Inclusion Officer
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Uganda
Patrick Kanyangara
Program Leader
Burundi
Patrick Kanyangara
Program Leader
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Burundi
Polycarpe Kumasamba
Program Manager
Democratic Republic of Congo
Polycarpe Kumasamba
Program Manager
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Praise Mapeto
Finance and Administration Officer
Zimbabwe
Praise Mapeto
Finance and Administration Officer
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Zimbabwe
Prince Mutshipule Ependa
Community Agent
Democratic Republic of Congo
Prince Mutshipule Ependa
Community Agent
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Democratic Republic of Congo
Rose Nakawuma
ASGM Association and Co-operative Officer
Uganda
Rose Nakawuma
ASGM Association and Co-operative Officer
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Uganda
Sara Del Debbio
Programme Coordinator Francophone Africa
Italy
Sara Del Debbio
Programme Coordinator Francophone Africa
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Italy
Sasha Caldera
Campaign Director, Beneficial Ownership Project
Canada
Sasha Caldera
Campaign Director, Beneficial Ownership Project
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Canada
Stéphane Ruganirwa Shukuru
M&E, Reporting, Accountability and Learning Officer
Democratic Republic of Congo
Stéphane Ruganirwa Shukuru
M&E, Reporting, Accountability and Learning Officer
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Democratic Republic of Congo
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
Business Development
Lea Boucheron
Business Development
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Peninah Asiimwe
Communications Officer
Uganda
Peninah Asiimwe
Communications Officer
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Uganda