Staff

Allen Combs, Online Communications Manager

Allen Combs is the Online Communications Manager for Save Darfur Coalition/Genocide Intervention Network.  His primary responsibilities include coordinating SDC/GI-NET’s online communications and maintaining the organization’s website, blog, blast email program, and social networking assets.  He also helps craft the organization’s communications and advocacy plan.  Prior to coming to Save Darfur, Allen managed communications for 21st Century Democrats.  He graduated from Macalester College with a B.A. in Economics.    

Allyson Neville, Senior Advocacy Associate

As Senior Advocacy Associate, Allyson serves as the primary contact with Congressional offices and works to develop and implement SDC/GI-NET’s advocacy strategy. She also conducts policy research related to the organization’s primary areas of engagement. Allyson received her M.A. in International Politics with a focus on Africa from American University. She previously worked for the Department of Commerce and at an economic research institute in South Africa.

Angela Deane, Director, Development

As Director of Development, Angie leads SDC/GI-NET's efforts to increase impact and foster growth by building a broad base of support from multiple funding sectors. She provides oversight and management for SDC/GI-NET’s fundraising activities through the development and implementation of growth strategies. Since Angie came to GI-NET in 2008, she has overseen the significant diversification of the organization's funding streams.

Ann Brown, Principal, Ann Brown Communications

Ann Brown is consulting with SDC/GI-NET to oversee media relations and to drive the new organization’s branding strategy. As principal of Ann Brown Communications, Ann has provided a broad range of public relations and marketing services to promote brand awareness, issue advocacy and public education campaigns.  For more than 15 years, Ms. Brown has advised dozens of non-profit organizations on strategic communications planning, campaign management and media relations.

Ashley Kroetsch, STAND Coordinator

As STAND Coordinator, Ashley manages the Student Leadership Team, in partnership with the STAND Associate and Student Director. Ashley's responsibilities include the day-to-day management, long-term training, guidance, and evaluation of the STAND Student Managing Committee. Prior to joining SDC/GI-NET, Ashley served on STAND's Management Committee as the College National Outreach Coordinator. She is originally from Northeastern North Carolina and has a degree in International Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Ben Drexler, Information Technology Associate

As Information Technology Associate, Ben maintains SDC/GI-NET's online and technology presence on social networks and the organization’s website. Ben worked as a community organizer with the Denver Coalition to Save Darfur, Boulder Friends for Darfur, the University of Colorado at Boulder's STAND Chapter, and The New York City Coalition for Darfur. He has worked as a web developer for more than a decade and has a degree in American History from the University of Colorado.

Daniel P. Sullivan, Senior Policy Analyst

As Senior Policy Analyst, Dan plays an integral role in developing and communicating the organization’s policy related to human rights, conflict in Sudan, and prevention of genocide and mass atrocities. He focuses on international advocacy initiatives and outreach and coordination with non-governmental organizations. Previously Dan worked for Human Rights First and the Albright Stonebridge Group, where he assisted former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in her role as co-chair of the Genocide Prevention Task Force. Dan received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and a Masters from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

David Kienzler, Analyst, Conflict Risk Network (CRN)

As a CRN Analyst, David’s duties include research in support of CRN’s dialogues with corporate actors and the publication of CRN’s annual company report. Previously he conducted fieldwork on human rights and transitional justice issues in Cameroon and South Africa. David received his Juris Doctorate from New York University School of Law.

Diane Fabian, Senior Director of Finance and Administration

Diane Fabian manages the SDC/GI-NET financial and administrative functions and serves as a member of the senior management team. Fabian and her team provide key organizational services including financial management and reporting, accounting services, human resource management, benefits administration, payroll processing, information technology services, facility and operations management, and on-line store administration.

Gbolahan Lawal, Field & Grassroots Manager

Gbolahan Lawal is the organization’s Field & Grassroots Manager. Gbolahan works with the campaign advocacy team to support the activist community that holds events, lobby days, and other grassroots actions across the country.  He also serves as the primary contact for the organization’s Darfur Activist Leaders group and plans and implements the local grassroots components of SDC/GI-NET campaigns, events, and initiatives.

Jessica Reveri, Membership Coordinator

Manager of the Carl Wilkens Fellowship Program, Jessica has a professional background as a communications liaison, project designer, and program manager. Jessica has lived and worked in Ghana, worked with AmeriCorps VISTA in Alaska, and taught primary and kindergarten-aged children at the Metropolitan Montessori School in New York City. She holds a Masters of Science in African Studies from the University of Oxford and a B.A. from Yale University.

Joe Maddens, Outreach and Coalition Manager

Joe Maddens joined Save Darfur in 2007.  He manages interfaith efforts and relationships with partner organizations, and previously managed board relations.  Joe is a member of the Educational Theatre Company’s board of directors and the president of Talk for Change. Previously, Joe has worked for Seeds of Peace, Aide et Action, l’Association des Jeunes de Kirkissoyye, and Boston University’s program in Niger.

Josh Kennedy, Research Associate

Josh's duties as Research Associate include research and publication of quarterly CRN reports, the annual selection process determining SDC/GI-NET's Areas of Concern, and the publication of the Genocide Monitor. Josh has also worked at the U.S. Consulate General in Germany, conducted research among refugee populations in New York, and taught social studies. Josh earned his Master's in International Relations from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.

Lindsey Woolf, STAND Associate

As STAND Associate, Lindsey works directly with the STAND National Student Coordinator and Student Director to provide resources and coordination to STAND. Prior to her current position, Lindsey spent two years as the Operations Associate. Lindsey joined GI-NET in 2008 as the Executive/Operations intern and also served as the 2008 STANDFast National Coordinator, STAND's nation-wide fundraiser for GI-NET's civilian protection program. Lindsey graduated from The George Washington University with a Bachelor's Degree in International Affairs.

Martha Bixby, Director of Campaigns & Outreach

Martha Bixby is the Director of Campaigns & Outreach at SDC/GI-NET.  She plans and directs campaigns, oversees the Field and Grassroots Manager and the Outreach and Coalition Manager, and liaises with core partners, activists, diaspora members, and coalitions. She co-founded STAND, was Save Darfur’s 3rd employee (as its Outreach Coordinator), and was executive director of Team Darfur.  She has taught vocational English to refugees, blogged for Change.org, and speaks Portuguese, Spanish, and a little HTML.

Maureen O'Brien, Head of Engagement, Conflict Risk Network (CRN)

Head of Engagement for CRN, Maureen O’Brien leads CRN’s dialogue with companies in select conflict-affected areas on behalf of CRN’s membership base. Her previous positions include Research Director for the Center for Political Accountability, Senior Research Associate for RiskMetrics, and Research Associate for the Public International Law & Policy Group. Maureen also is a founder and Managing Director of LINC Negotiation Architects, a D.C.-based consultancy providing negotiation training on issues relating to international conflict.

Melany Grout, Director, Conflict Risk Network (CRN)

Melany is the Director of CRN and manages relations and services to CRN's subscribers and members and oversees all aspects of CRN’s work, which focuses on research; corporate social responsibility standards; and company engagement. She has previously worked at the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Human Rights and conducted human rights research and fieldwork in the West Bank and India. Melany received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Niemat Ahmadi, Darfuri Liaison Officer

A native of North Darfur, Ms. Ahmadi is the Darfuri Liaison Officer and works with the Darfuri Diaspora. She is a founding member of the Darfuri Leaders Network, a coalition of over 20 domestic Darfuri organizations working to promote peace and security in Darfur. Ms. Ahmadi focuses on the role of Darfuri women in the peace process. She was an advisor at the seventh round of inter-Sudanese Darfur peace talks in Abuja, Nigeria.

Rebecca Dennis, Operations Associate

Rebecca Dennis is the Operations Associate for the Save Darfur Coalition/Genocide Intervention Network. Her primary responsibilities include day-to-day administrative duties, serving as the Executive Assistant and Board Liaison, and periodically assisting with various campaign activities including managing outreach to the artistic community.  Rebecca received her BA in International Relations and a Specialization in Peace and Justice Studies.

Shannon Orcutt, Policy Assistant

Shannon is on the Policy and Government Relations team at SDC/GI-NET. Her primary responsibilities involve research and writing on civilian protection issues in Sudan such as violence against women and human rights abuses as well as closely following the situation on the ground. Shannon holds degrees in Government and International Politics and Global Affairs from George Mason University.

Teresa Vice, Finance & Administration Coordinator

Teresa Vice is the Finance & Administration Coordinator for SDC/GI-NET.  She maintains the online store including fulfillment, design, sales, and shipping.  She also supports the Senior Director in managing overall Finance and HR functions.  Teresa’s work experience has always been in non-profit finance and administration.  Her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University gave her an educational background in accounting, business, HR, computer science, and organizational leadership.

Tom Andrews, President

Tom Andrews, a former Member of Congress representing Maine’s first Congressional district, is now President and CEO of Genocide Intervention Network / Save Darfur Coalition (GI-NET/SDC).  The organization leverages its powerful network – including a membership base of hundreds of thousands of committed activists globally, a nationwide student movement, more than 190 faith-based, advocacy and human rights partner organizations, and a network of institutional investors collectively representing more than $700 million in assets under management – to advocate for stronger policies and actions to prevent and stop genocide and mass atrocities.