Meet the WFA Team

Our dedicated WFA secretariat comprises a multidisciplinary, international team working remotely across five countries. We are committed to delivering high-quality work that supports our members.

Get to know our team below and feel free to reach out to us!

Guided by our core values, we strive to make a positive impact for animals

Inclusion

We embrace diverse views and cultures and form holistic viewpoints.

Altruism

We work for the greater good of animals and our members, fostering a culture of sharing information and ideas.

Impact

Our work is evidence-based and expert–led. We ensure our positions are relevant, credible, and compelling.

Trust

We trust one another as fellow partners in our joint efforts to help animals, with integrity and compassion.

Transformation

We aim to achieve long-lasting impacts for all animals by transforming systems and mindsets.

Profile picture of Chief Executive Officer James Yeates

James Yeates

Chief Executive Officer

james.yeates@wfa.org

As CEO of WFA, James oversees the Federation’s advocacy, membership, and engagement strategies, leading WFA and its vision for animal welfare.

Profile picture of Deputy CEO Jessiva Bridgers

Jessica Bridgers

Deputy CEO

jessica.bridgers@wfa.org

As Deputy CEO, Jessica leads WFA’s policy team and facilitates the organisation’s strategic direction.

Profile picture of Communications Manager Silvia Mantilla

Silvia Mantilla

Global Policy & Communications Manager

silvia.mantilla@wfa.org

Silvia oversees the implementation of the Federation’s communication strategy while supporting global advocacy efforts and policy engagement.

Profile picture of Finance & Admin Manager Irma Nugrahanti

Irma Nugrahanti

Finance & Admin Manager

finance@wfa.org

As Finance and Admin Manager, Irma supports WFA with financial analysis, budgeting, proposal development, HR, administration, and financial reporting.

Profile picture of Global Health Policy Manager Dr. Masika Sophie

Dr. Masika Sophie

Global Health Policy Manager

masika.sophie@wfa.org

Masika fosters relationships with UN Agencies and Programmes, and Member States, advancing WFA’s positions across the One Health domain.

Profile picture of Membership Manager David Pedersen

David Pedersen

Membership Officer

david.pedersen@wfa.org

As WFA’s Membership Manager, David is responsible for growing the network of advocacy organisations and nurturing collective altruistic ambitions.

Profile picture of Chief Strategic Policy & Public Affairs Arjan van Houwelingen

Arjan van Houwelingen

Chief Strategic Policy & Public Affairs

houwelingen@wfa.org

Arjan helps shape WFA’s long-term advocacy to establish animal welfare’s relevance for sustainable development and coordinates WFA’s Working Group on UNEA.

Austin

Austin Wallace

International Affairs Officer

austin.wallace@wfa.org

Austin focuses on advocating for the integration of animal welfare into international policies, working with partners to promote sustainable and systemic change for animals.

Profile picture of Policy Advisor Janice Cox

Janice Cox

Policy Advisor

janice.cox@wfa.org

Co-founder of World Animal Net, organisation that later merged with WFA, Janice continues to contribute to strategic advocacy and policy research.

Profile picture of Stephan Ronan

Stephen Ronan

Volunteer

stephen.ronan@wfa.org

Stephen’s focus includes humane management of animals considered “pests”, municipal animal protection ordinances, and policies affecting marine animal welfare.

Profile picture of Marta M. Praticò

Marta M. Praticò

Communications Volunteer

Marta supports the preparation of WFA’s communication products, including the Weekly Digest and monthly newsletter.

Five lions on the savannah
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