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.
James Yeates
Chief Executive Officer
As CEO of WFA, James oversees the Federation’s advocacy, membership, and engagement strategies, leading WFA and its vision for animal welfare.
Jessica Bridgers
Deputy CEO
As Deputy CEO, Jessica leads WFA’s policy team and facilitates the organisation’s strategic direction.
Silvia Mantilla
Global Policy & Communications Manager
Silvia oversees the Federation’s communication strategy while supporting global advocacy efforts and policy engagement.
Melissa Jamieson
Interim Chief Development Officer
As Interim Chief Development Officer, Melissa supports the Federation’s development across its core functions to ensure it has effective capabilities, capacity, and resources to deliver its strategy.
Dr. Masika Sophie
Global Health Policy Manager
Masika fosters relationships with UN Agencies and Programmes, and Member States, advancing WFA’s positions across the One Health domain.
David Pedersen
Membership Officer
As WFA’s Membership Manager, David is responsible for growing the network of advocacy organisations and nurturing collective altruistic ambitions.
Arjan van Houwelingen
Chief Strategic Policy & Public Affairs
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 Wallace
International Affairs Officer
Austin focuses on advocating for the integration of animal welfare into international policies, working with partners to promote sustainable and systemic change for animals.
Janice Cox
Policy Advisor
Co-founder of World Animal Net, organisation that later merged with WFA, Janice continues to contribute to strategic advocacy and policy research.
Stephen Ronan
Volunteer
Stephen’s focus includes humane management of animals considered “pests”, municipal animal protection ordinances, and policies affecting marine animal welfare.
Marta M. Praticò
Communications Volunteer
Marta supports the preparation of WFA’s communication products, including the Weekly Digest and monthly newsletter.
