Team Member

Brian Berry
Team Team Member

Brian Berry

Brian Berry is our Senior Strategic Advisor, facilitating global collaboration to execute our strategic plan and maximize GFI's global impact. Areas of expertise: organizational strategy, project management, executive consulting, product management, analytics.

Renee Bell
Team Team Member

Renee Bell

Renee Bell is GFI’s Science Content Lead, helping our SciTech team communicate compelling messages and host impactful events. Areas of expertise: writing, editing, science communication, education, and event planning

Marika Azoff
Team Expert

Marika Azoff

Marika leads GFI’s work with foodservice operators, retailers, and distributors to inspire and accelerate their shift toward alternative proteins. Areas of expertise: foodservice, retail, distribution, alternative seafood, relationship development, public speaking

Vanessa Assaro-Aluisa
Team Team Member

Vanessa Assaro-Aluisa

Vanessa Assaro-Aluisa supports the SciTech team with administrative and tech needs as well as project coordination, data management, and process optimization. Areas of expertise: administration, new media, program management, project management, Asana, creative crafts.

Melissa Ahlborn
Team Team Member

Melissa Ahlborn

Melissa leads digital engagement initiatives to grow, educate, and inspire GFI’s online audiences. Areas of expertise: social media management, content strategy and creation, analytics, plant-based cooking, food systems

Stephanie von Stein
Team Team Member

Stephanie von Stein

Stephanie leads GFI's global strategic engagement with UN agencies and development finance institutions. Areas of expertise: Asia, strategy for global organizations, international environmental policy, water.

Liz Specht, Ph.D.
Team Expert

Liz Specht, Ph.D.

Liz Specht oversees GFI’s Science and Technology department to build a roadmap for accelerating alternative protein research while empowering scientists to execute on this vision. Areas of expertise: plant-based meat, fermentation, technical analyses, forecasting and modeling, synthetic biology, public speaking.

Erin Rees Clayton
Team Expert

Erin Rees Clayton, Ph.D.

Erin Rees Clayton, Ph.D. supports GFI's efforts to generate and communicate data-driven insights to accelerate the global alternative protein scientific ecosystem. Areas of expertise: alternative protein scientific research needs, research funding, research project management.

Clare Bland
Team Team Member

Clare Bland

Clare Bland leads GFI’s philanthropy team, building partnerships and securing transformational gifts and grants in support of GFI’s global activities and impact. Areas of expertise: philanthropy strategy, program development, foundation grants, effective altruism, plant-based recipe experimentation.