Welcome to New LD4D Steering Committee Members
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We are delighted to welcome an exceptional group of global experts to the Livestock Data for Decisions (LD4D) Steering Committee.
Spanning fields from veterinary science and sustainable agriculture to policy, public health, and inclusive development, our new members bring decades of leadership across diverse geographies—from the Amazon to sub-Saharan Africa—and across sectors including government, academia, NGOs, and the private sector.
Their work has helped shape climate-resilient livestock systems, combat antimicrobial resistance, reduce methane emissions, and promote more inclusive approaches for women and youth. With a systems-thinking lens and a strong commitment to evidence-based action, they are well-positioned to address today’s complex challenges and deliver meaningful, practical solutions.
Meet our Steering Committee
Members of the LD4D Steering Committee as of May 2025 (from left to right):
- Laura Cramer, Scientist - Policy Engagement for Climate Action, International Livestock Research Institute (new member)
- Dahlanuddin, Professor of Ruminant Nutrition, University of Mataram
- Latifah Abdulkarim, Strategic Program & Development Manager, Alliance for Sustainable Livestock (new member)
- David Harvey, Technical Director, Land O’Lakes Venture 37 (new member)
- Bernard Nyakundi Kimoro, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Kenya
- Leah Arabella Germer, Agriculture Specialist, World Bank
- Ugo Pica-Ciamarra, Policy Lead, Global Health Security Program, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations
- Paolo Tizzani, Scientist, World Organisation for Animal Health
- Shirley Tarawali, Assistant Director General, International Livestock Research Institute (new member)
- Andrew Bisson, LD4D Steering Committee Chair
- Shannon Mesenhowski, Senior Program Officer, Gates Foundation
- Fernanda Ferreira, Director for Agriculture Methane, Clean Air Task Force (new member)
- Christie Peacock, Founder & Executive Chairman, Sidai Africa Ltd. (new member)
Each of our new members shares a unifying motivation: a drive to transform livestock systems through innovation, collaboration, and smarter use of data.
The new members will contribute to advancing LD4D’s mission by providing strategic guidance to LD4D's mission of improving evidence-based decision making in livestock systems.
In doing so, they will shape the direction and influence of the LD4D Steering Committee, whose core responsibilities include:
Provide scientific guidance to shape LD4D’s strategic direction and ensure our work remains evidence-based and impactful.
Identify and prioritize emerging issues and opportunities for action within the livestock data landscape.
Inform and strengthen our knowledge exchange and communications, ensuring LD4D insights reach the right audiences effectively.
Support the development of a long-term structure for the network’s growth and resilience.
Monitor and review the progress of LD4D working groups and initiatives, helping drive continuous improvement and relevance.
On behalf of the entire LD4D network, the Secretariat warmly welcomes our new Steering Committee members. We are excited to embrace the fresh perspectives, energy, and leadership they bring in advancing our shared mission. Joining our committed existing members, this strengthened leadership team will help guide LD4D toward even greater impact—tackling the sector’s most urgent challenges and driving forward data-driven solutions that improve livestock systems around the world.
