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

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.

Jessica Bridgers

Deputy CEO

jessica.bridgers@wfa.org

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

Silvia Mantilla

Communications Manager

silvia.mantilla@wfa.org

As Communications Manager, Silvia coordinates the implementation of WFAs’s communication strategy with a global communications network hosted by the Federation.

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.

Dr. Masika Sophie

Global Health Policy Manager

masika.sophie@wfa.org

Masika fosters relationships with UNEP and Member States, advancing WFA’s positions, and aids broader global policy advocacy across the One Health domain.

David Pedersen

Membership Manager

david.pedersen@wfa.org

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

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.

Carolina Maciel

(on academic leave) Senior Advisor International Trade & Policy

carolina.maciel@wfa.org

Former Senior Advisor in International Trade Law & Policy. Carolina is pursuing a master’s program in Law at Harvard.

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.

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.

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Marta M. Praticò

Communications Volunteer

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

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