ACLED has 200 team members based in over 50 countries and territories. The organization is divided into Research & Communications and Programs & Operations.
Senior Leadership
- Prof. Clionadh RaleighPresident & CEO
Prof. Clionadh Raleigh is the President & CEO of ACLED. She is also Senior Professor of Political Violence and Geography in the School of Global Studies at the University of Sussex. Her primary research interests are the dynamics of conflict and violence, African political environments, and elite networks.
- Olivia RussellExecutive Director
Olivia Russell is the Executive Director at ACLED. In this role, she oversees the administration and management of ACLED's programming, including communications and publications, human resources, and finance, as well as providing support to business and partnership development.
Ms. Russell holds an MA in International Conflict and Security and has worked in program management, research, and communications in peacebuilding in East and Central Africa. She is fluent in French, Spanish, and English.
- Dr. Katayoun KishiHead of Data ScienceDr. Katayoun KishiHead of Data Science
Dr. Katayoun Kishi is the Head of Data Science at ACLED and has been with the organization since April 2019. She manages the storing, organizing and improvement of ACLED data, oversees the weekly publication of data, advises on new approaches to improving data collection and management, and leads ACLED's data science initiatives. Dr. Kishi holds a PhD in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland with a concentration in comparative politics and quantitative methodology. She previously held positions at Pew Research Center and the United States Institute of Peace. She is fluent in English, Farsi and basic French.
- Lennart LandmanHead of Methodology
Lennart Landman is the Senior Methodology Manager at ACLED, overseeing methodology, quality assurance, and training across all regions. He previously worked as a researcher on European security and defence issues for the Clingendael Institute in The Hague. He holds an MA in International Relations and is a PhD Candidate at the University of Groningen.
- Andrea CarboniHead of Analysis
Andrea Carboni is the Head of Analysis at ACLED. In this role, he is responsible for designing, overseeing ACLED's research. He is also a Research Fellow in the School of Global Studies at the University of Sussex, United Kingdom. He worked as a consultant for several organizations, including Mercy Corps, the European Institute of Peace, and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, among others. Andrea holds a PhD in Geography from the University of Sussex and an MA in European and International Studies from the University of Trento, Italy.
Sam Jones is the Head of Communications at ACLED and has been with the organization since October 2018. Sam oversees ACLED's strategic communications, public outreach, and user engagement. He earned his BA in Political Theory from Franklin & Marshall College and his MA in Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights from American University's School of International Service. Sam's research centers on political violence and protest movements, and he previously worked to document human rights violations in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
- Matthew Fluegel-CarewHead of Programs and Development
Matt Fluegel-Carew is ACLED’s Head of Programs and Development and has been with the organization since December 2013. He was originally hired as the ACLED’s West Africa Researcher and has previously worked as Research Manager for a number of the project’s regional desks, including South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, and East Asia. He is currently responsible for ACLED’s program management, fundraising and development, and partner outreach. Matt holds an MA in Geopolitics & Grand Strategy from the University of Sussex and a second MA in Eurasian Studies from Carleton University, with his research focusing on regional cooperation and conflict management. He has worked previously for Global Affairs Canada and the Canadian Department National Defence, and for consulting firms specializing in policy development and political risk analysis.
- Amanda Bertran LloveraHead of FinanceAmanda Bertran LloveraHead of Finance
Amanda is the Head of Finance at ACLED, overseeing financial operations. She holds a BA in Business Administration with a Masters in Finance, Audit and Accounting. Amanda has experience in external audits both in Spain and Singapore and was previously a finance advisor focused on West Africa for a sexual reproductive health charity in London, United Kingdom. She is fluent in English and Spanish, and Catalan and French are her native languages. She is based in Barcelona, Spain.
- Daria MelchenkoHead of OperationsDaria MelchenkoHead of OperationsDaria is the Head of Operations at ACLED. In this role, she oversees Global Operations and Human Resources with the organization. She manages these areas and teams, as well as provides strategic guidance on their further development.Daria has over eight years of experience in the sphere of international relations and security. She has previously worked for such organisations as OSCE, International Crisis Group, and Freedom House.Daria holds an MA in International Security Studies from the University of St Andrews. She is fluent in English, Ukrainian, French, and Russian.
- Tom HartHead of Global Data CollectionTom HartHead of Global Data Collection
Tom Hart is the Senior Desk Manager with ACLED and has been with the organization since April 2016. He currently oversees the Research Desk teams and projects, including both weekly and supplemental data production. He previously led the creation and expansion of the Methodology department. Tom received his BA in International History, and Politics from Carleton University in Ottawa, where he focused on colonial relationships, intercultural interaction, and geocultural perspectives. Tom is fluent in English and French.
Executive Team
- Prof. Clionadh RaleighPresident & CEO
Prof. Clionadh Raleigh is the President & CEO of ACLED. She is also Senior Professor of Political Violence and Geography in the School of Global Studies at the University of Sussex. Her primary research interests are the dynamics of conflict and violence, African political environments, and elite networks.
- Olivia RussellExecutive Director
Olivia Russell is the Executive Director at ACLED. In this role, she oversees the administration and management of ACLED's programming, including communications and publications, human resources, and finance, as well as providing support to business and partnership development.
Ms. Russell holds an MA in International Conflict and Security and has worked in program management, research, and communications in peacebuilding in East and Central Africa. She is fluent in French, Spanish, and English.
- Dara George-JohnExecutive AssistantDara George-JohnExecutive Assistant
Dara George-John is the Executive Assistant at ACLED. In this role, she provides high-level administrative support and assistance to the President & CEO, the Executive Director, and other senior leadership. She joined ACLED in October 2022 and has over 16 years of experience as an Executive Assistant. Dara has worked across multiple sectors, including non-profits, government, and higher education. She holds a Master's in Public Administration and a Bachelor's in International Affairs.
Research & Communications
The Research & Communications team collects, analyzes, and disseminates ACLED’s political violence and protest data.
- Tom HartHead of Global Data CollectionTom HartHead of Global Data Collection
Tom Hart is the Senior Desk Manager with ACLED and has been with the organization since April 2016. He currently oversees the Research Desk teams and projects, including both weekly and supplemental data production. He previously led the creation and expansion of the Methodology department. Tom received his BA in International History, and Politics from Carleton University in Ottawa, where he focused on colonial relationships, intercultural interaction, and geocultural perspectives. Tom is fluent in English and French.
- Franziska PfadtAssociate Global Data Collection ManagerFranziska PfadtAssociate Global Data Collection Manager
Franziska Pfadt is the Research Desk Coordinator at ACLED and has been with the organization since March 2018, and currently coordinates ACLED's regional research desks, overseeing staffing, reporting, and task allocations. Franziska holds an LLM in International Law from Leiden University and a BA in Political Science and Law. Prior to joining ACLED, she worked in several non-profit organizations acquiring extensive experience in process and knowledge management.
- Olga DalbinoëAssociate Partnership CoordinatorOlga DalbinoëAssociate Partnership Coordinator
Olga Dalbinoë is the Associate Partnership Coordinator at ACLED. She joined the organisation in 2019 and has been working as a Researcher in the Western Europe and Latin American desks. Olga has an extensive experience in international law and working with non-profit organisations
- Bhavani CastroResearch Desk CoordinatorBhavani CastroResearch Desk Coordinator
Bhavani Castro is the Research Desk Coordinator at ACLED, having previously managed the South America Research desk, and has been with the organization since 2018. She oversees the collection of data on political violence and demonstrations in the South America region and is responsible for managing the team members. She holds an MA in International Security from the Institut d´Études Politiques de Paris – Sciences Po Paris, and a BA in International Relations from the University of São Paulo. Her research interests include ethno-nationalist conflicts, communal violence, organized crime groups, and non-state armed groups and gender. She is fluent in Portuguese, English, and French.
- Dr. Katayoun KishiHead of Data ScienceDr. Katayoun KishiHead of Data Science
Dr. Katayoun Kishi is the Head of Data Science at ACLED and has been with the organization since April 2019. She manages the storing, organizing and improvement of ACLED data, oversees the weekly publication of data, advises on new approaches to improving data collection and management, and leads ACLED's data science initiatives. Dr. Kishi holds a PhD in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland with a concentration in comparative politics and quantitative methodology. She previously held positions at Pew Research Center and the United States Institute of Peace. She is fluent in English, Farsi and basic French.
- Trey BillingData ScientistTrey BillingData Scientist
Trey Billing is a Data Scientist at ACLED and has been with the organization since April 2022. Dr. Billing holds a PhD in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, as well as a BA in Economics from the University of Dayton. He was also a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Mershon Center for International Security Studies at The Ohio State University. Dr. Billing’s interests include conflict dynamics, computational social science, and causal inference.
- Rachel GoodmanAssociate Data ManagerRachel GoodmanAssociate Data Manager
Rachel Goodman is the Data Coordinator at ACLED and has been with the organization since June 2020. She assists in the management of ACLED's dataset and oversees projects relating to data quality, data literacy, and internal data pipelines. Rachel holds an M.A. in International Studies from the University of Denver and a B.A. in Political Science, International Studies, and Spanish from the University of Idaho. She previously worked at the Center on Human Rights Education and has experience researching a variety of political violence topics, including genocide, civil war, and disarmament.
- Mariah ElliottData OfficerMariah ElliottData Officer
Mariah Elliott is the Data Officer at ACLED and has been with the organization since July 2020, previously as a researcher for the US desk. As the Data Officer, she processes and uploads all ACLED data on a weekly basis as well as supports other data management processes at ACLED. Mariah holds degrees in International Affairs and Arabic from the University of Georgia and has experience supporting different data projects, specifically related to the mapping of the Syrian conflict and the measurement of subnational levels of repression globally.
- Lucas FaglianoData Literacy OfficerLucas FaglianoData Literacy Officer
Lucas Fagliano is a Data Literacy Officer at ACLED, and has been with the organization since April 2022. At ACLED he has worked alongside the Data Literacy team to provide trainings in data analysis and data management, including Excel, Tableau and R. Additionally, Lucas has supported the Data team in multiple tasks. Parallel to his work at ACLED, he is an independent researcher on International Relations and Strategic Studies, often employing computational methods to explore issues related to hybrid threats and grand strategy.
- Danyal KamalSenior Methodology Coordinator
- Fiona WongSenior Methodology Coordinator
- Ashik KCMethodology Coordinator
- Shanti VallsQuality Assurance Officer
- Shreya MaskaraMethodology Officer
- Hannah GuedesQuality Assurance Assistant
- Myung-Gyun LimMethodology Coordinator
- Ankita PhalleQuality Assurance Assistant
- Indrajit SharmaQuality Assurance Assistant
Sam Jones is the Head of Communications at ACLED and has been with the organization since October 2018. Sam oversees ACLED's strategic communications, public outreach, and user engagement. He earned his BA in Political Theory from Franklin & Marshall College and his MA in Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights from American University's School of International Service. Sam's research centers on political violence and protest movements, and he previously worked to document human rights violations in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
- Danny LordWeb ManagerDanny LordWeb Manager
Danny Lord is the Web Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since November 2021. He manages ACLED’s main site and subsidiary web properties. Danny has an MSc in Comparative Political Thought from SOAS University of London, and his research focuses on the politics of peace, conflict, and humanitarian response. He has several years’ experience in digital marketing and SEO in the private sector, covering web development and content management.
- Gina DorsoCommunications OfficerGina DorsoCommunications Officer
Gina Dorso is a Communications Officer at ACLED and has been with the organization since March 2022. Gina supports the execution of ACLED’s outreach and media engagement strategy. She holds a BFA and MA in Communication Arts from New York Institute of Technology and an MPhil in International Peace Studies from Trinity College Dublin. Gina’s research focuses on the geopolitics of peace processes and transitional justice in South Asia. She has previously worked in communications for the NGO and development sectors in New York and Dublin.
- Christina De ParisCommunications OfficerChristina De ParisCommunications Officer
Christina De Paris is a Communications Officer at ACLED and has been with the organization since November 2022. She supports ACLED’s brand management, publications, and graphic design work for internal and external communications. Christina earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a specialization in visual communication and a Master’s degree in Global Studies. Within the private and nonprofit sectors, she has broad experience in publishing and international development. Her research interests include peace and security, resistance movements, and human geography.
- Andrea CarboniHead of Analysis
Andrea Carboni is the Head of Analysis at ACLED. In this role, he is responsible for designing, overseeing ACLED's research. He is also a Research Fellow in the School of Global Studies at the University of Sussex, United Kingdom. He worked as a consultant for several organizations, including Mercy Corps, the European Institute of Peace, and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, among others. Andrea holds a PhD in Geography from the University of Sussex and an MA in European and International Studies from the University of Trento, Italy.
- Timothy LayAssociate Analysis ManagerTimothy LayAssociate Analysis Manager
Timothy Lay is the Associate Analysis Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since April 2018. He manages the production of analysis outputs at ACLED. Tim holds an MA in International Relations (International Humanitarian Action) from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen and a BLS with Honors in Asian Studies from the University of Sydney. He has previously held positions on the South Asia desk and managed the Africa desk at ACLED.
- Elham KazemiAnalysis CoordinatorElham KazemiAnalysis Coordinator
Elham Kazemi is an Analysis Coordinator at ACLED and has been with the organization since November 2018, originally hired as a North Africa researcher. She is currently a collaborator on the LASER project and supervises the Africa conflict observatories. Elham holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of California, Irvine, and an LLM in International Human Rights Law from the University of Notre Dame. Elham has over six years of research experience working on conflict and political violence.
- Niki PapadogiannakiEditorial OfficerNiki PapadogiannakiEditorial Officer
Niki Papadogiannaki is an Editorial Officer at ACLED and has been with the organization since February 2022. As part of the Analysis Team, she conducts editorial reviews of analysis pieces, infographics, and other written material. Niki holds an MA in Migration Studies and Conflict & Security from the University of Kent’s Brussels School of International Studies. Niki has over five years of work experience in journalism in Washington, DC, and over three years in the humanitarian sector.
- Ciro MurilloData Literacy OfficerCiro MurilloData Literacy Officer
Ciro Murillo is a Data Literacy Officer at ACLED and has been with the organization since April 2022. He currently supports the data literacy strategy of the analysis department. Ciro holds a BA in Political Science and Government from Universidad del Norte (Colombia). Ciro has over three years of experience working on research about the Colombian conflict and information management support for humanitarian organizations.
- Ana MarcoResearch AnalystAna MarcoResearch Analyst
Ana is a research analyst at ACLED and has been with the organisation since September 2022. She holds an MA in International Security from Sciences Po Paris, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminology from Keele University. She is especially interested in political violence in the MENA region, and holds a specialization diploma in Security in the Mediterranean, Near and Middle East from Instituto Gutiérrez Mellado. She has over two years of experience working in both the public and private sectors, in the fields of security, political and social analysis, as well as international development and cooperation.
- Christian JaffeResearch AnalystChristian JaffeResearch Analyst
Christian Jaffe is a Research Analyst at ACLED and has been with the organization since July 2020, starting as an Iran researcher. He holds a double MA in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Kent and the Philipps-University of Marburg and a BA in Foreign Affairs and Middle East Studies from the University of Virginia.
Research Desks
ACLED’s data collection team is organized into regional research desks led by 13 Research Managers supported by one or more Assistant Research Managers. Senior Researchers and Regional Specialists contribute to research, methodology, and analysis on specific regions, countries, and topics.
- Susanna DeetlefsAfrica Research ManagerSusanna DeetlefsAfrica Research Manager
Susanna Deetlefs is an Africa Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since January 2019, starting as a Southern Africa researcher. She currently leads the day-to-day management of the East and Southern Africa regions of the Africa desk. She holds an MSc Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding from Durham University, United Kingdom, and an MA in Security Studies from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Susanna has over four years of experience working with different organizations, focusing on gendered security, peacebuilding, political violence, transnational organized crime, and research on child soldiers.
- Ladd SerwatAfrica Regional SpecialistLadd SerwatAfrica Regional Specialist
Ladd Serwat is an Africa Regional Specialist at ACLED. Ladd has been with the organization since November 2018, originally hired as an Africa researcher. He is involved in team management, data review and analysis, as well as project representation. Ladd holds a PhD in International Development from the University of Sussex, an MSc in African Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a BA in International Relations from Gonzaga University. Ladd has over ten years of experience working with different non-profit organizations and a particular research interest in land-related conflict.
- Ariane Dinalli FranciscoAfrica Assistant Research ManagerAriane Dinalli FranciscoAfrica Assistant Research Manager
Ariane Dinalli Francisco is the East and Southern Africa Assistant Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since December 2019. She was originally hired as a South America researcher for the Latam desk. Ariane holds a MA in Democratic Governance and Civil Society from the Osnabruck University, Germany, and a BA in International Relations from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ariane has vast research experience, and her work focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to organized crime, security, and peace and conflict studies.
- Dr. Dan WatsonSenior Researcher for South SudanDr. Dan WatsonSenior Researcher for South Sudan
Dr. Dan Watson is Senior Researcher for South Sudan at ACLED and has been with the organization since mid-2018. He oversees coding, research, and analysis on the two Sudans. He has an MA in Conflict, Development and Security from the University of Leeds, and a PhD in International Relations from the University of Sussex, where he also works.
- Laura SoricaEast Asia Pacific Research ManagerLaura SoricaEast Asia Pacific Research Manager
Laura Sorica is a Research Manager at ACLED's East Asia Pacific desk and has been with the organization since August 2019. She is currently overseeing political violence and protests in the East Asia Pacific region, including in Japan, Taiwan, Mongolia, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, East Timor and throughout Oceania. Laura holds an MA in International and Advanced Japanese Studies and two BAs, one in Political Science and one in Linguistics. Her previous experiences include working in the private sector, the Romanian Embassy in Tokyo, and as an academic researcher in Japan working on security policy.
- Aastha KaulSouth Asia Research ManagerAastha KaulSouth Asia Research Manager
Aastha Kaul is the South Asia Research Manager at ACLED, and has been with the organization since September 2020. In her current role, she manages the South Asia desk, including its team of researchers and the region's dataset. Aastha holds a BSc. in International Studies from the University of Surrey, and has five years of experience working with organizations within the public policy and international development sector.
- Hangyu LeeEast Asia Pacific Research ManagerHangyu LeeEast Asia Pacific Research Manager
Hangyu Lee is an East Asia Pacific Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since March 2020. Hangyu currently manages several countries for the East Asia Pacific research desk. He holds a BA in Global Communication and Culture and an MA in Global Studies from Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg and Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales. His research interests include political polarization in South Korea and the role of social media in politics. He is fluent in Korean, English, and Spanish.
- Regina ChungEast Asia Pacific Assistant Research ManagerRegina ChungEast Asia Pacific Assistant Research Manager
Regina Chung is the East Asia Pacific Assistant Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since January 2020. She currently reviews data, contributes analytical content, and assists with managing the East Asia Pacific desk. She holds an MA in Global Justice from the University of Sheffield and an MA in Post-war Recovery Studies from the University of York. Before joining ACLED, she was a journalist, researcher and humanitarian aid worker working with different non-profit organizations, universities, and media.
- Elliott BynumAsia-Pacific Regional SpecialistElliott BynumAsia-Pacific Regional Specialist
Elliott Bynum is ACLED’s Asia-Pacific Regional Specialist. She has been with ACLED since September 2017, initially as a Myanmar researcher, then as the research manager for ACLED’s Southeast Asia desk. She also has held analysis and research coordinator positions at ACLED prior to her current role. Elliott has an MA in Social Justice and Human Rights from Arizona State University and a BA in International Affairs from the George Washington University. She previously worked as a researcher with local human rights organizations on the Thailand-Myanmar border and as a teacher in Myanmar. Her research focuses on political violence and protest in Myanmar.
- Asena KaraçaltiAfghanistan Assistant Research ManagerAsena KaraçaltiAfghanistan Assistant Research Manager
Asena Karaçalti is the Afghanistan Assistant Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since May 2017. Asena has previously worked as the Central Asia & the Caucasus, and Africa Research Manager at ACLED. She holds a BA in Law from Ankara University, and an MSc in Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies from KU Leuven. Her research interests focus on the transit experiences of migrant and refugee populations and political violence across the Middle East and Afghanistan. She has past experience as a lawyer and as an expert in migration and asylum organizations.
- Olha PolishchukEastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia Research ManagerOlha PolishchukEastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia Research Manager
Olha Polishchuk is the Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since September 2018, originally hired as the Ukraine Researcher. Currently, she manages a team of researchers covering countries across Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia and oversees the dataset and analysis work for the region. Olha holds an LLM in Law of the Sea from the Arctic University of Norway, an LLM in Human Rights Law with International Law from the University of Kent, and a bachelor's degree from the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. She has experience working in the private law sector, with Ukrainian government institutions, and human rights NGOs.
- Giulia BernardiWestern Europe Research ManagerGiulia BernardiWestern Europe Research Manager
Giulia Bernardi is the Western Europe Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since November 2019. She was originally hired as the Italy researcher. She currently coordinates the management of the Western Europe desk and the publishing of its data on a weekly basis. Giulia holds a double MA in Russian, Central and East European Studies from the University of Glasgow and a Master's in International Relations from KIMEP University, Almaty. Before joining ACLED, she had experience in the field of journalism and research in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Giulia is fluent in Italian, English and Russian.
- Magda AnastasijevicEastern Europe Assistant Research ManagerMagda AnastasijevicEastern Europe Assistant Research Manager
Magda Anastasijevic is the Eastern Europe Assistant Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since June 2019, originally hired as a Balkans researcher. She earned her BA in Sociology at the University of Belgrade and studied South-eastern European Studies at the University of Graz and the University of Zagreb. Prior to ACLED, Magda’s research focused on conflicts in former Yugoslavia.
- Nicola AudibertWestern Europe Assistant Research ManagerNicola AudibertWestern Europe Assistant Research Manager
Nicola Audibert is the Western Europe Assistant Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since September 2020, starting as a Europe Researcher. He currently assists in the management of the Western Europe Desk and the production of its data and analyses. Nicola holds an MA in European Security from the University of Vienna and joint BAs and MAs in European Affairs from Sciences Po Bordeaux and the University of Turin. Nicola has five years of experience in diplomacy, research, and advocacy applied to European affairs and security.
- Nichita GurcovEurope & Central Asia Regional SpecialistNichita GurcovEurope & Central Asia Regional Specialist
Nichita Gurcov is the Europe & Central Asia Regional Specialist at ACLED. He has been with the organization since January 2023. Nichita holds an MA in International Politics from the University of Manchester and a BA in Journalism from Moldova State University. He previously worked on conflicts in Moldova and Ukraine.
- Maria Fernanda ArochaCentral America Research ManagerMaria Fernanda ArochaCentral America Research Manager
Maria Fernanda Arocha is the Central America Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since October 2018. She currently leads the Central American desk, managing the coding team, supporting the review of data quality, and assisting in data analysis. María Fernanda holds a Master’s degree in Peace, Conflict, and Development from the University of Bradford and a B.A. in Political Science from Javeriana University. Her research interests are related to organized crime dynamics, security policies, and their impacts on development conditions in Latin America.
- Julia Lins FranciottiSouth America Research ManagerJulia Lins FranciottiSouth America Research Manager
Julia Lins Franciotti is the South America Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since October 2018. She oversees the data collection on political violence and demonstrations in South America and is responsible for managing the team members. She holds an LLM in Public International Law from Universiteit Leiden and is currently pursuing an MBA in Data Science & Analytics at the University of São Paulo. Her research interests include organized crime dynamics in the Global South, non-state armed groups, and political disorder in Latin America. She is fluent in English, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and German.
- Sandra PellegriniLatin America Regional SpecialistSandra PellegriniLatin America Regional Specialist
Sandra Pellegrini is a Latin America Regional Specialist at ACLED and has been with the organization since September 2018. In her role, she supports the analysis of political violence and demonstrations across Latin America. Sandra holds an International Master in Russian, Central and East European Studies from the University of Glasgow and a Master of International Relations from KIMEP University Almaty. She has over six years of experience in conflict analysis, investigating political disorder in Latin America and the post-Soviet space.
- Yohaire Zumbado-MadrigalCentral America Assistant Research ManagerYohaire Zumbado-MadrigalCentral America Assistant Research Manager
Yohaire Zumbado-Madrigal is the Central America Assistant Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since June 2021. She was originally hired as Caribbean researcher. She currently assists in the management of the Central American desk, supporting the review of data quality, and assisting in data analysis. Yohaire holds a MA in Social Sciences Applied to the Environment from Pablo de Olavide University, and a B.A. in International Relations, with a Specialization in Diplomacy, and Foreign Policy, from the National University of Costa Rica. Her research interests include electoral violence, human rights, and socio-ecological conflicts. Yohaire has seven years of experience in research, M&E, and electoral observation. She is fluent in Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese.
- Rose DaviesSouth America Assistant Research ManagerRose DaviesSouth America Assistant Research Manager
Rose Davies is the Assistant Research Manager at the South America Desk and previously worked as a US researcher at the North America desk. She holds a Master of Global Affairs from the University of Toronto, and a BA in Sociology and Hispanic and Latin American Studies from Brock University.
- Dr. Adriana Boersner HerreraVenezuela Senior Researcher
Dr. Adriana Boersner Herrera is the Venezuela Senior Researcher at ACLED and has been in the organization since September 2018. She was originally hired as the coder for Venezuela within the Latin American desk. She is responsible for research on Venezuela. Dr. Boersner Herrera holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Missouri, an MA in Political Science from Universidad Simon Bolivar, and a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Universidad Central de Venezuela. Adriana is also an Assistant Professor at the University of South Carolina Aiken with 10 years of experience working in academia and research regarding Venezuela.
- Muaz Al AbdullahMiddle East Research ManagerMuaz Al AbdullahMiddle East Research Manager
Muaz Al Abdullah is a Middle East Research Manager at ACLED overseeing Syria, Iraq, and Iran. He has been with the organization since June 2017. Muaz holds an MA in Political Science and International Relations and has over eight years of experience working with different non-profit organizations and providing security analysis to organizations implementing projects in Syria. His research focuses on reconstruction efforts in the transitional/post-war phase in Syria.
- Salma EissaMiddle East Research ManagerSalma EissaMiddle East Research Manager
Salma Eissa is a Middle East Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since October 2017. Salma has an MA in Near and Middle Eastern Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. She has over 10 years of experience in the Egyptian civil society and research and academia sectors and has a keen interest in political analysis and trends and patterns of political violence in the MENA region. She is fluent in Arabic and English.
- Dr. Ameneh MehvarMiddle East Regional SpecialistDr. Ameneh MehvarMiddle East Regional Specialist
Ameneh Mehvar is a Middle East Regional Specialist at ACLED. She holds a PhD in International Relations and a master’s degree in Middle East and Central Asian Security from the University of St Andrews. She is a former ESRC postdoctoral fellow at the University of Birmingham, and has previously worked as a political risk consultant. Her research interests include security studies and the international politics of the Middle East. Ameneh is fluent in Persian, English and German, and has a working knowledge of Arabic.
- Luca NevolaMiddle East Regional SpecialistLuca NevolaMiddle East Regional Specialist
Luca Nevola is Middle East Regional Specialist at ACLED and has been in the organization since November 2018. He was originally hired as Yemen and KSA researcher and subsequently worked as Senior Researcher in MENA Religion and Repression. He currently produces analysis and coordinates research across the Middle East desks. Luca holds an MA and a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Milano-Bicocca. He has conducted extensive fieldwork research in Yemen and works as a Yemen analyst for several research institutes focusing on elite politics, political Islam, minority groups, and tribal dynamics.
- Kieran DoyleNorth America Research ManagerKieran DoyleNorth America Research Manager
Kieran Doyle is the Research Manager on the North America Desk and has been with the organization since October 2020. After working for human rights NGOs in Brussels, he became a researcher at the North America Desk, sourcing and coding a few regions before moving to his current position. He helps to coordinate our wonderful team of researchers and assists with reviewing data and drafting weekly analysis pieces. He is in the process of wrapping up a Master's degree in Peace, mediation and conflict studies at Tampere University in Finland and holds a BA in International Relations and French from the University of Denver.
- Bianca HoNorth America Assistant Research ManagerBianca HoNorth America Assistant Research Manager
Bianca Ho is the North America Assistant Research Manager at ACLED and has been with the organization since August 2021. She previously worked on the Canada expansion project as well as data collection for multiple regions in the United States before moving to her current position. Bianca has a BA in Political Science and Economics from McGill University.
Programs & Operations
The Programs & Operations team supports the production of ACLED’s data and analysis by securing and managing the funds for data collection, ensuring legal compliance, and developing and maintaining technical, administrative, and people systems in the organization.
- Matthew Fluegel-CarewHead of Programs and Development
Matt Fluegel-Carew is ACLED’s Head of Programs and Development and has been with the organization since December 2013. He was originally hired as the ACLED’s West Africa Researcher and has previously worked as Research Manager for a number of the project’s regional desks, including South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, and East Asia. He is currently responsible for ACLED’s program management, fundraising and development, and partner outreach. Matt holds an MA in Geopolitics & Grand Strategy from the University of Sussex and a second MA in Eurasian Studies from Carleton University, with his research focusing on regional cooperation and conflict management. He has worked previously for Global Affairs Canada and the Canadian Department National Defence, and for consulting firms specializing in policy development and political risk analysis.
- Eva Danae CharidasAssociate Coordinator for Outreach and DevelopmentEva Danae CharidasAssociate Coordinator for Outreach and Development
Eva Charidas is the Associate Coordinator for Outreach and Development at ACLED and has been with the organization since September 2020. She holds a BA in International Relations from San Francisco State University and an MA in International Conflict and Security from the Brussels School of International Studies. Previously, she has worked on humanitarian operations for both the United Nations and other local organizations in Greece and Palestine.
- Juliet Delate IlerAssociate Client Relations CoordinatorJuliet Delate IlerAssociate Client Relations Coordinator
Juliet is the Associate Client Relations Coordinator at ACLED. She holds a bachelor's degree in both Social Work and Social Education from Spain’s UNED University and an MS in Social and Cultural Anthropology from the Uniervsidad Complutense de Madrid. She is passionate about fighting social injustice and has spent time in a variety of countries including China, Senegal, Spain, Thailand, and the United States. She currently resides in Madrid, Spain.
- Emily RothsteinClient Relations OfficerEmily RothsteinClient Relations Officer
Emily Rothstein is a Client Relations Officer at ACLED and has been with the organization since October 2021. She assists users and clients in accessing the global dataset. Emily holds an MA in Post-war Recovery Studies from the University of York and a BA in International Affairs and Sociology from the University of Mary Washington. She has previous experience working with various international non-profits and small businesses.
- Pablo Padin PerezOutreach and Development OfficerPablo Padin PerezOutreach and Development Officer
Pablo Padin Perez is an Outreach and Development Officer at ACLED and has been with the organization since January 2023. He holds an MA in Diplomacy and International Relations from the Diplomatic School of Spain and an MA in EU International Relations from the College of Europe. Previously, he has worked for the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European External Action Service.
- Anita MantzariDesign, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning OfficerAnita MantzariDesign, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Officer
Anita Mantzari is a Design, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Officer at ACLED and has been with the organization since January 2023. She holds a BSc in Psychology from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and has specialized in research methodology, statistics, and assessment. Her professional background is in humanitarian aid, where she supported a diverse range of projects in grassroots, national, and international NGOs catering to the needs of displaced populations.
- Hélène PilloudProgram ManagerHélène PilloudProgram Manager
Hélène is a Program Manager at ACLED. In this role, she oversees current projects, pursues new funding opportunities, manages the start-up of projects and initiatives, and coordinates design, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (DMEL) activities. Prior to joining ACLED, Hélène worked for organizations such as the UN, International Crisis Group, the Consulate General of Switzerland in New York, and law firms based in Switzerland, specializing in project management, research, and legal affairs. She holds an LL.M. in International Law from the University of Lausanne, as well as an LL.B. in International Humanitarian Law from the University of Geneva. She is fluent in English, French, and German.
- Daria MelchenkoHead of OperationsDaria MelchenkoHead of OperationsDaria is the Head of Operations at ACLED. In this role, she oversees Global Operations and Human Resources with the organization. She manages these areas and teams, as well as provides strategic guidance on their further development.Daria has over eight years of experience in the sphere of international relations and security. She has previously worked for such organisations as OSCE, International Crisis Group, and Freedom House.Daria holds an MA in International Security Studies from the University of St Andrews. She is fluent in English, Ukrainian, French, and Russian.
- Maida SalkanovicSenior Human Resources CoordinatorMaida SalkanovicSenior Human Resources Coordinator
Maya Maida Salkanovich is the Senior HR Coordinator at ACLED and has been with the organization since September 2018, originally hired as a Balkans researcher. She currently coordinates all HR matters and leads the HR department. Maya holds an MA in Democracy and Human Rights from the University of Bologna and the University of Sarajevo, and a BA in Psychology from Occidental College. Maya has over seven years of experience working with different non-profit organizations.
- Dipali TikoneSenior Human Resources OfficerDipali TikoneSenior Human Resources Officer
Dipali Tikone is a Senior Human Resources Officer at ACLED and has been with the organization since September 2021. She holds an MS in Marketing from American University and a BS in Business Administration along with Marketing from Methodist University. Dipali has previously worked in the HR field with expertise in employee relations, onboarding, HRIS, and benefits management.
- Ednah LusegaAssociate Human Resources OfficerEdnah LusegaAssociate Human Resources Officer
Ednah Lusega is the Associate Human Resources Officer at ACLED and has been with the organization since September 2022. She is primarily involved in all the functions of the department, including recruitment, HR record maintenance, administrative tasks, and organization policies and procedures in the HR department. Ednah holds an BA in Human Resource Management from Riara University. She is an Associate member at the Institute of Human Resource Management. She has three years of experience practicing HR in different sectors
- Michelle StoneAssociate Operations CoordinatorMichelle StoneAssociate Operations Coordinator
Michelle Stone is the Associate Operations Coordinator at ACLED and has been with the organization since March 2022. In this role, she supports the administration and management of ACLED's operations and digital office. She holds a BA in International Relations from San Francisco State University and an MA in Human Rights from University College London. She has experience working with non-profit organizations and with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
- Yann LüthiLogistics OfficerYann LüthiLogistics Officer
Yann Lüthi is a Logistics Officer at ACED. He graduated with a BA in International Relations at the University of Geneva in 2017 and with an MsC in Crisis and Disaster Management/Humanitarian Logistics from the University of Lincoln in 2020. He has previously worked in Mozambique as a Senior Country Logistics Officer for ACTED, as well as a Logistics Officer in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Jordan, and as a Logistics Intern at Impact Initiatives.
- Anastasiia VozholHR GeneralistAnastasiia VozholHR Generalist
Anastasiia Vozhol joined ACLED in April 2023 as an HR Generalist. She provides support to employees with daily inquiries, manages HR platforms, supports HR department with administrative tasks.
- Maria KahwagiTalent Acquisition OfficerMaria KahwagiTalent Acquisition Officer
Maria Kahwagi is a Talent Acquisition Officer at ACLED. She has been with the organization since 2023 and is based in Beirut, Lebanon. Maria holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration & Management as well as a Master's degree in Human Resources Management & Leadership from Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth. Maria has five years of experience working in human resources with non-profit organizations.
- Amanda Bertran LloveraHead of FinanceAmanda Bertran LloveraHead of Finance
Amanda is the Head of Finance at ACLED, overseeing financial operations. She holds a BA in Business Administration with a Masters in Finance, Audit and Accounting. Amanda has experience in external audits both in Spain and Singapore and was previously a finance advisor focused on West Africa for a sexual reproductive health charity in London, United Kingdom. She is fluent in English and Spanish, and Catalan and French are her native languages. She is based in Barcelona, Spain.
- David BenoitFinance CoordinatorDavid BenoitFinance Coordinator
David Benoit is the Finance Coordinator at ACLED and has been with the organization since June 2022. David supports the implementation of plans, policies, and procedures for the finance department. He holds a B.S. in Public Administration and has a background public sector finance and operations.
Governance
- Prof. Clionadh RaleighBoard Member, ChairProf. Clionadh RaleighBoard Member, Chair
Prof. Clionadh Raleigh is the President and CEO of ACLED. She is also Senior Professor of Political Violence and Geography in the School of Global Studies at the University of Sussex. Her primary research interests are the dynamics of conflict and violence, African political environments, and elite networks.
- Ashley MoranBoard Member, Deputy ChairAshley MoranBoard Member, Deputy Chair
Ashley McIlvain Moran is a fellow with the Comparative Constitutions Project in the University of Texas’ Department of Government, where she teaches on constitutionalism in divided societies. She is also a distinguished scholar at UT’s Robert Strauss Center for International Security and Law and a member of the Global Military Advisory Council on Climate Change. She previously worked in the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia on democratic development and rule of law issues. Ashley’s current research focuses on post-conflict constitutional development, the evolution of new institutions, and dynamics of state identity and legitimacy.
- Loren TarmoBoard Member, Secretary and TreasurerLoren TarmoBoard Member, Secretary and Treasurer
Loren Tarmo serves on ACLED's Advisory Board and on the Finance Committee. He is a Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years of experience. He earned his BA in Social Sciences from the University of California, Irvine and a master's degree in Accountancy from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Loren started his career in public accounting, and is proud to have been able to steer his career into the health services arena, where he currently serves as Chief Financial Officer for PatientSafe Solutions in San Diego, CA.
- Andrew LinkeAdvisory Board MemberAndrew LinkeAdvisory Board Member
Andrew Linke is Assistant Professor in the Geography Department at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He is also a Senior Associate Researcher at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO). He uses Geographic Information Systems data, spatial statistics, and population surveys to understand the geographies of violent conflict and human-environment interactions. His research has been published in the Annals of the American Association of Geographers, Climatic Change, Environmental Research Letters, Global Environmental Change, Journal of Conflict Resolution, Journal of Peace Research, and Political Geography, among other journals. His work has been funded by the National Science Foundation and the Social Science Research Council. He is a member of the editorial board of Political Geography.
- Jennifer MorseAdvisory Board MemberJennifer MorseAdvisory Board Member
Jennifer Morse, MHA has been a Board member of ACLED since its formation. Jennifer’s interest in ACLED stems from an appreciation that mapping can illustrate and communicate patterns of behavior that would be challenging to convey in other mediums. ACLED’s ability to track and map real-time events is a critical tool to improve our understanding of conflict and political instability. Jennifer serves as Vice President of Development for Salud Family Health Centers, a non-profit, community, and migrant farmworker health center in Colorado, providing comprehensive healthcare services to 88,000 individuals. In this role, she is responsible for securing funding and advocating for health policy that support access to healthcare for underserved populations. She has worked in this field for 19 years and serves on local, state, and national committees advocating for health policy and system transformation to reduce barriers and increase access to care for all members of the community.
- Joshua BusbyAdvisory Board MemberJoshua BusbyAdvisory Board Member
Joshua Busby is an Associate Professor of Public Affairs and a Distinguished Scholar at the Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law at the University of Texas at Austin. He originally joined the LBJ School faculty in fall 2006 as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Lecturer. In 2016, Dr. Busby also joined the Chicago Council on Global Affairs as a non-resident fellow. In 2018, he joined the Center for Climate & Security as a Senior Research Fellow.
Prior to coming to the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Busby was a research fellow at the Center for Globalization and Governance at Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs (2005-2006), the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard’s JFK School (2004-2005), and the Foreign Policy Studies program at the Brookings Institution (2003-2004). He defended his dissertation with distinction in summer 2004 from Georgetown University, where he also earned his MA in 2002.