GISF’s Steering Group is refreshed to help lead our membership and strategic direction into the future
Following an election process by GISF members, three new representatives have joined the Steering Group. These are: Victoria Andrews (Mercy Corps), Anne-Céline Okonta (Action Against Hunger France) and Neil Elliot (Oxfam International). They will be joined by Toby Woodbridge (Amnesty International) who will continue to serve on the Steering Group after being re-elected.
These representatives join as part of the second phase of the Steering Group refresh, following GISF’s transition to an independent organisation earlier this year. They will work alongside the members who joined in June, during the initial refresh. These include Amaury Cooper (HIAS), Peter Doyle (Concern Worldwide), Thomas Kaye (Access Now), Noemi Munoz (IRC), and Paul Westbury (GOAL).
GISF would like to thank those members who stepped down as part of this process for their engagement and commitment to supporting GISF’s strategic direction.
Thomas Kaye (Access Now) remains as interim Chair of the Steering Group until the next meeting, when a longer-term chair will be agreed. Biographies and contact information for all Steering Group members are available here.
The four representatives were chosen in a competitive process from a group of nominees. “I would like to thank everyone who stood for their interest and commitment to GISF,” said Thomas Kaye.
“We would also like to welcome Marieke Van Weerden (Catholic Relief Services), who joins the Steering Group, in her role as chair of the Americas Steering Committee,” Kaye added. (The Chair of the Americas Steering Committee is automatically granted a Steering Group place.)
The GISF Steering Group helps to represent the voice of GISF’s members within the organisation’s strategic direction. They are also responsible for reviewing and approving new membership applications.
Each representative brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, covering international security, risk management, crisis response, and organisational leadership. Their varied backgrounds, from the military, law, international development and more, reflect GISF’s broad and diverse membership base. This ensures the Steering Group is well-equipped to represent the perspectives and needs of all members.
If you have any questions about the Steering Group, please reach out to GISF’s Head of Global Membership and NGO Services, Heather Hughes (heather@gisf.ngo).