Hussain Abdullah, Software Management Support Assistant

In his role as Software Management Support Assistant, Hussain helps to manage the development process for FrontlineSMS’ Version 2. Hussain joined FrontlineSMS shortly after completing his Master’s degree in the Philosophy of the Social Sciences at the London School of Economics. His thesis explored the philosophical importance of exploring alternative, unorthodox channels towards development and peace. Alongside his studies, Hussain founded the Sustainable Peace Society that set out to broaden the discourse on development and peace.

Chris

Chris Albon, Governance Project Director

Chris leads FrontlineSMS’ governance project. Prior to joining FrontlineSMS, Chris earned a Ph.D. in political science from the University of California, Davis. His research focused on the drivers of government and rebel behavior towards health system destruction and reconstruction. Chris is also an active blogger and writer, contributing to United Nations Dispatch, ForeignPolicy.com, TheAtlantic.com, and other publications. In 2008, Chris founded Conflict Health, a blog on the defense of health and health workers against persecution, violence, and armed conflict. You can often find him on Twitter.

Alex joined FrontlineSMS in December 2009 as Lead Developer, having been a contributor to the project since December 2007. Alex leads the software design, development and QA, as well as end user support. He has been actively developing software for over 10 years, working with mobile technologies since 2004, and more actively in ICT4D since 2007. His past projects have included mobile money systems in Sudan, mobile banking in Nigeria, mobile rail ticketing across the UK and mobile mapping.

Ken Banks, Founder

Ken specializes in the application of mobile technology for positive social and environmental change in the developing world. He combines over 25 years in information technology with more than 18 years of experience living and working throughout Africa. In 2005 Ken created the first version of FrontlineSMS software. Since this point Ken has built a strong FrontlineSMS team and a community of users that spans over 70 countries. Ken is widely recognized as a thought-leader in the application of mobile technology for social good.  You can learn more about Ken on his blog, Build it Kenny, and they will come…..

Simon joined FrontlineSMS in 2012 as the Head of Finance. Prior to FrontlineSMS, Simon has worked for major corporations, such as Lockheed Martin and Booz Allen Hamilton. By leveraging best practices and applying what he learned in corporate finance and government consulting, Simon is helping to shape the FrontlineSMS financial strategy. He is also a social media advocate and a graduate of Fordham University’s class of 2006.

Laura joined FrontlineSMS in March 2010 and leads on our software development and user engagement. Previously, Laura worked for British Red Cross on humanitarian policy and learning. Focused on innovation, urbanisation, cash transfer programming and civil-military relations, Laura served for three years as Secretary of the NGO-Military Contact Group and helped develop and deliver a comprehensive five-year strategic planning arc for BRC’s international work. Laura is currently a Steering Group member for Enhancing Learning and Research in Humanitarian Action (ELRHA) and is engaged with the Communicating with Disaster Affected Communities (CDAC) Network.

Ryan joined FrontlineSMS in 2009, working with FrontlineSMS:Credit, where he was instrumental in putting together their successful application for the Vodafone Wireless Innovation project. Ryan’s work with FrontlineSMS has led to significant new partnerships and support both from grant making organizations and NGOs, broadening our base of supporters and implementers, and also the scope of our work and expertise. Previously, Ryan has worked with a variety of projects seeking funding for innovative models, in fields from ICTD to sustainable energy. Ryan is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Fordham University’s International Political Economy and Development Program.

Joy joined the FrontlineSMS team as a software developer in February 2012, soon after completing her Undergraduate degree in Computer Science. She developed a passion for ICT4D (information and communications technology for development) whilst working as an intern for Ushahidi and running an mhealth project, Mchanjo. Here at FrontlineSMS, Joy is currently helping with the development of the core software platform.

Before joining FrontlineSMS as a Software Developer in 2011 David worked in IT for a pediatrics practice, setting up electronic medical records. Now a key part of the FrontlineSMS developer team, David is helping improve and re-develop our core software platform. He is really enjoying learning web programming, since his previous experience was with operating systems. David graduated from Tufts University in Boston in 2010, where he studied Computer Engineering.

Sitati joined FrontlineSMS as a developer in 2012, having previously in telecoms for Logica UK. With his past experience being in large organizations in the global finance and telecoms industries, he is now enjoying working in a smaller, more dynamic development team. Sitati holds an MEng in Computer Engineering from the University of Manchester, having graduated in 2010.

Sean is an international development professional with more than 10 years of working with non-profits, and specializing in law, alternative dispute and conflict resolution, and technology. Sean founded FrontlineSMS:Legal in September of 2010. At the beginning of 2011 Sean then became FrontlineSMS Director of Operations. Prior to FrontlineSMS Sean gained a wealth of experience in relief and development, policy work and peace building in a wide variety of international contexts, including Sri Lanka, Armenia, the Ukraine, Romania, and Honduras. Sean holds a J.D. and an M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Government, and Spanish at the University of Maryland, College Park.

After acquiring an undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, Geoffrey specialized in mobile applications for development. He acquired training on Java Mobile Applications from eMobilis before joining FrontlineSMS as a Software developer in 2011. Geoffrey is a key part of the FrontlineSMS developer team, and is helping improve and re-develop our core software platform. In previous experience Geoffrey has developed a mobile J2ME application for bidhaatele.com, for Nokia.

Vaneyck joined FrontlineSMS as a developer at the end of April 2012. Vaneyck has just recently completed his Undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Jomo Kenyatta University in Kenya. He brings to the team a high level of skill in web application development. Vaneyck is excited to be working with FrontlineSMS, because he finds joy in seeing how technology can transform communities around the world.

Roy

Roy Owino, Developer

Roy has been actively involved in software design and development since 2006 with focus on web and mobile platforms. Prior to working with FrontlineSMS:Credit, he worked in various development roles with GFL Partners and JJPeople Kenya, both in Nairobi. Independently, has built a dynamic online multi-store marketplace for the East African region, BidhaaTele, designed to aid small and medium enterprises in creating a web presence and participating in e-commerce.

Amy

Amy O’Donnell, Radio Project Manager

Amy joined FrontlineSMS at the beginning of 2011 to coordinate the development process of the FrontlineSMS:Radio project and to help with FrontlineSMS Version 2. Amy has built on her work with FrontlineSMS:Radio, and is using her expertise to contribute to our Knight News Challenge project. Prior to FrontlineSMS, Amy was a Project Coordinator at the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization based in The Hague, where she supported minority groups and indigenous communities to develop human rights campaigns and access international fora. She also previously worked for Action Against Hunger and Amnesty International. Amy holds an MA in Human Rights from UCL.

Cathryn

Cathryn Paine, Operations Manager

Cathryn joined FrontlineSMS in January 2012 as the Operations Manager for the Washington, DC team. In her role, Cathryn coordinates logistics, supports a full-range of key FrontlineSMS projects, and is helping to establish our DC Office. Prior to FrontlineSMS, Cathryn worked at the George Washington University where she also received her MA in Global Communications in 2011.

Florence joined the FrontlineSMS core team in late 2010 to manage FrontlineSMS’ user support and engagement. Florence actively connects and supports the international body of those using FrontlineSMS for social change projects across the world. In addition, she also oversees online communications and helps organize FrontlineSMS events. Florence previously worked at the Humanitarian Centre, a networking organisation for international relief and development. She holds her BA in International Relations and Development Studies from the University of Sussex.