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.

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 also manages full-time employees and volunteers to help with these tasks, both locally and remotely. Alex 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…..

Laura joined FrontlineSMS in March 2010 and leads on our software development and user engagement. Prior to FrontlineSMS, 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 began his work with FrontlineSMS in 2009, working with FrontlineSMS:Credit, where he was instrumental in putting together their successful application for the Vodafone Wireless Innovation project. Since joining the FrontlineSMS team, Ryan’s work has led to significant new partnerships and support both from grant making organizations and NGOs, not only broadening our base of supporters and implementers, but also the scope of our work and expertise. Prior to FrontlineSMS, Ryan had worked with a variety of projects seeking funding for new or 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.

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.

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.