Team Member

Jill Lauson
Team Expert

Jill Lauson

Jill Lauson oversees GFI’s Research Grant Program, maximizing the impact of GFI-funded research through effective coordination, stakeholder engagement, and systems integration. Areas of expertise: research grant management, researcher support, data management, process improvement

Alex Mayers
Team Global Affiliate

Alex Mayers

Alex directs GFI Europe’s strategic planning and coordinates all areas of our work. Areas of expertise: GFI Europe’s work across the board, leadership, strategy, management

Team Team Member

Valerie Burton

Valerie contributes to many exciting policy initiatives by providing research assistance, coordinating weekly and monthly reporting, assisting advocacy and outreach, and keeping the DC office running smoothly. Areas of expertise: administrative and logistical support, proofreading/copyediting

Ava Kuser
Team Team Member

Ava Kuser

Ava Kuser serves as the People Operations Coordinator for GFI's Collaborative Assistance Team, specifically supporting the areas of Payroll and Human Resources. Areas of expertise: Human Resources, Employee Engagement, Onboarding, Payroll, Administrative Support

Lena Hamelin
Team Team Member

Lena Hamelin

Lena provides high-level project and administrative support to the Vice President of Development and the rest of GFI's Development team. Areas of expertise: project coordination, admin support, research and analysis, animal welfare

Margaret Badding
Team Team Member

Margaret Badding

Margaret supports the Policy team by researching policy opportunities and using persuasive writing to engage decision-makers, partner organizations, and the public to advance alternative proteins. Areas of expertise: Research and analysis, content creation, environmental policy.

Gabriela Diaz Sidron
Team Team Member

Gabriela Diaz Sidron

Gabriela Diaz is responsible for growing the annual fund membership base, renewing and upgrading member support, and strengthening donor relationships. Areas of expertise: fundraising and strategy, CRM Management, stewardship.

Heather Deal
Team Team Member

Heather Deal

Heather Deal leads the web content production and web publishing processes for GFI. Areas of expertise: web design, graphic design, web content management, project management

Sharon Lee
Team Team Member

Sharon Lee

Sharon Lee provides project coordination and administrative support for the Science and Technology department. Areas of expertise: quantitative analysis, project coordination, writing, editing

Sandra Takamine
Team Team Member

Sandra Takamine

Sandra Takamine connects GFI's generous community of supporters with the vital work to innovate and transform the food ecosystem, ensuring access to alt proteins for all people. Areas of expertise: individual giving, donor relations, stewardship, fundraising