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Bennett LaFond is an agroecologist with eight years of experience working to strengthen U.S. and international agriculture and food systems. His work has centered around developing market-led approaches to improving livelihoods and creating resilience for farmers and their committees. He has worked with agribusinesses; a broad range of U.S. state and federal agencies; international donors and non-profits; and tribal, state, and national governments to design and implement programs to help farmers and their communities increase resilience, earnings, and production.

Arun Asok is a seasoned impact investor with 15 years of experience investing in and managing a portfolio of impact enterprises across Asia and Africa, particularly those focused on healthcare, financial services, and energy access.  As a senior advisor in Abt’s International Development Division, Arun leads mobilizing private capital and structuring impact investments for various client projects. More broadly, he leads Abt’s private capital and impact investment strategy and execution, and convenes thought leadership activities to champion private capital as a tool for inclusive growth and social and economic wellbeing. Arun’s expertise spans fund structuring, investment management, portfolio management, and business operations while forging public-private partnerships between UN organizations, ministries, developmental institutions, and commercial investors.

Andrew Keck is a global development executive with more than 30 years of experience designing and delivering complex programs in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. He has in-depth experience in agriculture market systems development, climate change adaptation, forestry and natural resources management, biodiversity conservation, and water and sanitation.  Keck has lived for 13 years in Madagascar and Senegal, leading large and complex projects focused on conservation and forestry and agricultural value chains and economic growth, respectively.

Larry Weinstock is a highly skilled program manager and regulatory professional with extensive experience in a range of federal program leadership roles. During his 30-plus years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Weinstock worked on a wide variety of environmental issues, programs and cross-Agency initiatives, including innovative Clean Air Act programs, environmental justice, energy, climate, environmental sustainability, nuclear waste disposal, enforcement, and organizational improvement. He also facilitated collaboration among various departments, offices, and all involved stakeholders. Weinstock has used his wide range of EPA experience, creativity, and knowledge in a range of fields, including law, science, policy, and economics to craft innovative and effective program strategies.

Daniel Peniston is a Climate Adaptation and Resilience Specialist at Abt Global, where he provides technical support in adaptation, resilience, and climate change. He has experience in adaptation, climate policy, nature-based solutions, responsible forest management, ecosystem services, sustainable supply chains, political economy, urban sustainability, air pollution, and supporting Indigenous-led forestry and climate programs.