Sarah Hand
Chief Executive Officer
Sarah Hand joined Avert in July 2014 with a wealth of senior experience gained across the INGO sector. Sarah has worked extensively across the HIV response since the mid-1990s, initially in the UK and then internationally in countries across Southern Africa and the Eastern Caribbean. Sarah has extensive knowledge of HIV programming and implementation in areas including working with key affected populations, HIV prevention, and behaviour change communication. Sarah is currently a Trustee of STOPAIDS. Sarah provides strategic leadership and operational management for Avert.
Simon Moore
Director of Communications and Digital Health Strategy
Simon joined Avert in March 2016. He has over 20 years’ experience in organisational communications and communications for social change. He has been working in the field of HIV, health and development for nearly 15 years. As well as roles at the International HIV/AIDS Alliance and conflict prevention organisation Saferworld, he has also worked as a freelance consultant for a range of other health and development organisations. Simon has a Masters in International Policy and Diplomacy.
Kate Harrison
Director of Partnerships and Fundraising
Kate joined Avert in September 2017. Kate has over 20 years’ experience in health, HIV and international development, including work in Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, India and Cambodia. Kate has several years' experience in funding international health and HIV, with particular expertise in community-based approaches to support maternal and child health, including HIV and sexual and reproductive health.
Yael Azgad
Senior Content Editor and Project Manager
Yael joined Avert in June 2016. She has been a development communications specialist for over a decade beginning her career in the Middle East working with refugees and later focusing on health and humanitarian issues. She has experience working across the global health, development and humanitarian sectors for organisations including the UN, global think-tanks, and NGOs. She has extensive experience creating content, campaigns, publications and events for public, professional and academic audiences.
Jon Edgell
Finance and Operations Manager
Jon joined Avert in May 2018 bringing over 20 years' specialist finance and management experience in the educational and charity sector. Jon has a BA in Economics and has served as a Governor on the Board of local primary and secondary schools. Jon has experience managing databases and systems that bring efficiencies to how a business operates. In his spare time he has interests in music, writing, travel and sport.
Florence Roff
Digital Marketing Manager
Florence joined Avert in June 2018. Her previous experience is in the health and charity sectors, having worked for Comic Relief and The Royal Marsden. She has a Masters in Marketing from Roehampton University and since graduating her roles have focused on digital communications.
Kendal Davids
Communications and Campaigns Intern
Kendal joined Avert in July 2021 as an intern, while completing her bachelor’s degree in Media and Writing, Spanish and Sociology at the University of Cape Town. She has experience with writing: web, blog and features. She also has social media and graphic design experience with a keen interest in global issues.
Lucy Gale
Content Editor and Project Manager
Lucy joined Avert in August 2021. She has over 10 years’ experience in communications and international development, with a particular focus on working with young people. She has created digital content, campaigns and publications for a number of charitable organisations including the ESU, ActionAid and TimeBank.
Laura Mundy
Content Editor and Project Manager
Laura re-joined Avert in August 2021, having previously worked for us during 2012-2016. She has led digital communications work at health and community-focused organisations, including MedAccess, Frontline AIDS, and Community Works. Laura is also a consultant, managing website redesign projects and producing content for health-focused non-profits. Laura holds a degree in International Development, in which she focused on global health.
Emma Collingbourne
Fundraising and Partnerships Officer
Emma joined Avert in October 2021. Emma has over 10 years’ experience working in international development with a focus on health, including HIV, sexual and reproductive health, and non-communicable diseases. In particular she has worked with programmes that reach marginalised populations and have a focus on empowering young people.
Meena Ganesh
Content Editor and Project Manager
Meena joined Avert in October 2021. She has over 10 years’ experience in the digital communication and charity sectors. She has created content and strategy for web and social media channels for various organisations, including Barnardo’s. Meena holds a degree in Media and Journalism, and has experience writing for both professional and public audiences.
Avert also engages a number of other external suppliers who provide expertise on web development, design, HR and charity law.
