Meet the Leaders Behind WICE's Global Impact
WICE is led by a team of globally recognized experts dedicated to sustainable development economic development. With diverse backgrounds in areas such as ecology, health and nutrition , data science, and policy, our leaders bring decades of experience and a shared commitment to creating lasting environmental and social impact. Meet the individuals who drive our mission forward, each playing a vital role in advancing our global initiatives.
Executive Chairwoman
Dr Emily Weeks
Dr. Emily Weeks serves as Executive Chairwoman of WICE, providing strategic leadership and governance as the firm scales its global development consulting and investment-facilitation platform. She guides WICE's mission and long-term direction across health, environment, food systems, and sustainable capital. With decades of leadership in climate policy and large-scale environmental implementation, she anchors the institutional vision that shapes WICE's growth.
Vice President, Business Development
Bradley Thomas
Bradley Thomas serves as Vice President of Business Development, driving WICE's growth through capture strategy, proposals, and partnerships. He leads the pursuit of government, multilateral, and private-sector opportunities and oversees the firm's sector practices in environment & energy, health & nutrition, and agriculture & food systems. He builds the pipeline and relationships that fuel WICE's expansion.
Managing Director Environment & Energy
Julia Kennedy
Julia Kennedy is Managing Director for Environment and Energy, leading WICE's work in climate resilience, clean energy, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. She designs and delivers evidence-based programs and mobilizes the partnerships and finance needed for sustainable outcomes. Her practice advances WICE's mission to protect ecosystems and accelerate equitable energy transitions.
Managing Director
Health & Nutrition
Kelly Wolfe
Kelly Wolfe is Managing Director for Health and Nutrition, leading WICE's health-systems strengthening, nutrition, and public-health programming. She oversees program design, partnerships, and business development across the health portfolio. Her work helps governments and partners build resilient, equitable health systems.
Chief of Staff
Dr Stephanie Gerretsen
Stephanie Garretson serves as Chief of Staff, driving execution of the CEO and executive team's priorities across WICE. She coordinates cross-functional initiatives, operating cadence, and strategic projects that keep the organization aligned and moving. Her role ensures leadership decisions translate into timely, accountable action firm-wide.
Chief Operating Officer
Dr Zachary Baquet
Zachary Baquet is WICE's Chief Operating Officer, responsible for day-to-day operations and the execution of the firm's global delivery model. He oversees WICE's operating functions — global operations, consulting services, and communications — ensuring quality, compliance, and operational excellence. He translates strategy into coordinated, results-driven delivery for clients and partners worldwide.
Managing Director
Communications & External Engagement
Cindy Arciaga Hodor
Cindy Hodor is Managing Director of Communications and External Engagement, leading WICE's brand, media relations, and stakeholder engagement. She shapes the firm's voice across internal and external channels and elevates its visibility with clients, funders, and partners. Her work strengthens WICE's reputation and strategic relationships worldwide.
Vice President, Global Affairs
Robert Layng
Robert Lyang serves as Vice President of Global Affairs, leading WICE's international presence and network of regional offices worldwide. He oversees the firm's regional offices across Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, building relationships with governments, regional institutions, development finance institutions, and investors. He drives WICE's global expansion, strategic partnerships, and consistent delivery across markets.
Managing Director, Consulting Services
Schala Battle
Schala Battle is Managing Director of Consulting Services, leading WICE's advisory delivery and consultant marketplace. She ensures technical excellence, service quality, and the effective deployment of WICE's global network of senior experts. Her work connects institutional clients with the specialized expertise they need to achieve measurable impact.
Founder
Dr Ir Daan Vreugdenhil
Dr. Ir. Daan Vreugdenhil, oversees the strategic planning, development, and implementation of global conservation initiatives. Collaborates with international partners, manages project budgets, and ensures program alignment with the organization's goals. Provides leadership to conservation teams and serves as a key spokesperson for conservation issues. Daan has worked for 30 years in planning and management of natural resources of temperate and tropical terrestrial and aquatic environments. His career took him across 5 continents, while dealing with dry and humid tropical as well as temperate ecosystems. His background includes vegetation and animal ecology as well as natural resources and national parks management.