Our team
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Jessica Fries
Executive Chair
Jessica Fries is the Executive Chair of Accounting for Sustainability (A4S), and has led A4S since 2008, working with Chairs, CEOs, CFOs and other leaders from across the business and finance community to make sustainable business, business as usual.
While at A4S, Jessica has been responsible for catalysing change in corporate reporting through the establishment of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) and the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), as well as transforming decision making through A4S’s CFO, education and capital markets programmes.
Previously, Jessica held a number of roles at PwC advising a wide range of companies, governments, investors and not-for-profit organizations. Jessica has written extensively on ways to integrate sustainability into business and finance and has been a member of several International, European and UK Government Committees, including the UK Treasury’s Sustainability Reporting Steering Committee, the European Commission’s Expert Group on Non-Financial Disclosure and the UN Sustainable Stock Exchange Advisory Group.
She is currently the Chair of the GRI’s Supervisory Board, a member of the IFRS Foundation’s Integrated Reporting and Connectivity Council, and a member of the Smith School Global Sustainable Finance Advisory Council. Jessica is a chartered accountant, a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, has an MSc in Economics from the London School of Economics and a BA in Economics from the University of Cambridge.
Helen Slinger
Executive Director, Knowledge and Learning
Helen Slinger is Executive Director at Accounting for Sustainability (A4S), leading our work to provide finance professionals with the knowledge, skills and practical guidance to embed sustainability into their business-as-usual. Whilst at A4S, Helen has led the development and delivery of the A4S Academy and driven the substantial expansion of A4S’s knowledge hub.
During her time as Head of Sustainable Business at Yorkshire Water, Helen championed a transition to a sustainable business model. She was instrumental in formalising governance structures for their transition to net zero and advancing their TCFD, sustainable finance framework and multi-capitals impact reporting.
Previously at PwC, Helen supported a diverse portfolio of clients in addressing their sustainability challenges across governance, strategy, reporting and assurance.
Helen is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), a Practitioner Member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment and an Accredited Social Return on Investment Practitioner. She is a commissioner on the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, sits on the ICAEW Sustainability Committee, is a member of the Capitals Coalition Advisory Panel and advisor to the University of Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership. She also has an Executive MBA.
Brad Sparks
Executive Director, Accounting for Sustainability Foundation (US) Inc.
Brad Sparks is the Executive Director, Accounting for Sustainability Foundation (US) Inc.
Previously, Brad served as Executive Director, Clients & Markets at KPMG, working with clients to integrate sustainability, respond to sustainability-related risks, and assess corporate sustainability performance. His prior experiences also include leading KPMG’s global environmental sustainability strategy and advancing the other Corporate Citizenship initiatives for the KPMG global network. Other prior experiences include Internal Audit at Gateway computers and KPMG Audit.
Brad is a Certified Public Accountant. He has an MBA in Sustainable Enterprise from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as a Master of Science and BSBA in Accounting from Appalachian State University. He lives in Los Angeles.
Helen Foster
Chief Operating Officer
Helen is Director of Organizational Performance and a member of the senior management team. She leads the business functions of A4S, including finance, human resources, governance, operations, and IT, to enable effective delivery of the organization’s strategy. She also has a focus on impact and performance.
Helen has over twenty five years’ experience working in mission driven organizations, including Plan International and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She has an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, a BA in South Asian Studies from SOAS University of London, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.
Susan Whyte
Executive Director, CFO Programme
Susan is managing our global CFO programme including managing our current networks and expanding the programme.
Susan has over twenty years’ experience as a project and programme manager. Prior to A4S she worked in the financial sector managing IT implementation, restructure and regulatory projects. She moved to the not for profit sector and worked in CAFOD, an international overseas development agency, as a programme change manager managing the delivery of a divisional restructure. Susan has a B.Comm and H.Dip in System Analysis from NUI Galway.
Kerry King
Executive Director, Capital Markets and Fundraising
Kerry sits on our Global Executive Team, and leads our Capital Markets programme to accelerate awareness and action towards a global sustainable financial system. This includes: running the A4S Asset Owners Network for pension fund chairs, supporting their commitments to embed sustainability into their strategic and investment decisions; convening senior finance to address specific challenges faced by the financial sector; and leading on guidance to scale up adoption of sustainable action by pension scheme trustees and finance within the banking and insurance sectors.
Having worked on numerous sustainability initiatives of His Majesty King Charles III, Kerry first joined A4S in 2006 and returned in 2017 to drive support for and adoption across a global CFO community of the recommendations of the Task Force for Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
Kerry also manages our relationships with current and potential funders of our work.
Pooi Funn Moong
Director, Asia Pacific
Pooi Funn is the Director of the Asia Pacific Chapter of the Accounting for Sustainability (A4S) CFO Leadership Network.
Prior to joining A4S, Pooi Funn held several roles at Deloitte and her experience in professional services include assurance and advisory projects to assist organisations on reporting, internal controls, business processes, risk management and governance. She has worked with a wide range of organisations in the global financial services industry and has led projects involving cross-border, cross-functional and cross-cultural teams in the UK, Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Pooi Funn is a Fellow Chartered Accountant and member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), and has a BSc(Hons) in Accounting & Finance from the London School of Economics, University of London.
Ciara Burke
Director, Europe
Ciara leads the Europe Chapter of the Accounting for Sustainability (A4S) CFO Leadership Network.
Prior to joining A4S, Ciara was a Director at EY, bringing over 17 years of professional services experience across assurance and consulting. Her cross sector experience spans Finance and Sustainability transformation projects and the intersection of these areas, highlighting the vital and strategic role CFOs can play in driving resilience and shaping a more sustainable future.
Ciara is a Chartered Accountant (CA) and member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), Sustainable Finance - CertSF (CIMA) and has a BA in Economic Geography from University College London.
Sue Dean
Head, Strategic Partnerships
Sue is Head of Strategic Partnerships, a pivotal role in helping A4S diversify its income portfolio, steward longer-term relationships with our donors, and develop a strong sustainable funding pipeline.
She joins us after extensive experience in the International Development sector, latterly as a Strategy and Business Development consultant, helping non-profit and contractors diversify and increase their grant and contract funding. Prior to this, she headed Business Development and Partnership teams at Save the Children UK, a global health consultancy, Options, and the British Council.
She holds a German degree from the University of Manchester, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
Lucy Nicholls
Acting Head, Communications and Engagement
Lucy leads A4S’s communications and engagement team, providing oversight across all key activities, including A4S's overarching messaging and flagship events such as the annual A4S Summit. In her role as Acting Head of Communications and Engagement, she drives strategic planning and fosters strong relationships with partners to enhance A4S’s impact across the global finance community.
With a background in content and events strategy, Lucy previously served as Head of Content at a commercial conference and marketing solutions organization. There, she oversaw product development across diverse sectors, honing her expertise in crafting impactful messaging and experiences. Lucy holds a BA (Hons) in English from Queen Mary, University of London.
Phillip Gee
Senior Manager, Canada
Phil leads the CFO Leadership Network in Canada, supporting the delivery of global projects, leading Network members activities and A4S programmes across the region.
With a passion for sustainable business, Phil brings 20 years of experience in finance, accounting and consulting, working with asset managers, investors, and corporations.
Phil is a fellow of the accounting profession (FCCA), holds the FSA Credential (SASB) and has an MSc (Distinction) in Sustainable Development from the University of Sussex and a BA (Hons) in Business from the University of Bedfordshire.
Sara Hadley
Senior Manager, Finance
Sara is the Senior Finance Manager for A4S with responsibility for the financial planning, management and reporting of A4S.
Sara is a Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) and qualified with Deloitte’s audit practice. After qualifying, Sara joined Deloitte’s forensic department and has over ten years forensic accounting experience covering a variety of sectors and industries including the financial services and non-for profit sectors. Sara holds an LLB (Hons) in Law from the University of Kent.
Zoë Franklin
Senior Manager, Education and Accounting
Zoë is responsible for the delivery, growth and impact of the A4S Academy programme; an18-month programme designed to equip and empower senior finance professionals with the skills needed for their businesses to succeed in the face of environmental and social risks and opportunities. Before joining the Academy team, Zoë held the position of Project Manager for Capital Markets at A4S.
Prior to joining A4S, Zoë worked for a commercial conference and marketing solutions organization as the Head of Insurance. Zoë has a Masters in International Development, Politics & Governance and a BSocSci (Hons) in Politics & International Relations from The University of Manchester.
Mónica Rico
Senior Manager, Capitals Markets, Europe
Mónica is a Senior Manager in the Capital Markets team, working on the European Chapter of the A4S Asset Owners Network to promote awareness and action towards a sustainable financial system. She collaborates with senior representatives of the European pension community to embed sustainability into their investment and strategic decision-making and leads efforts to adapt and expand A4S's ESG tools for the European market.
As the founder of the ESG Summit Europe, Mónica is recognized for aligning business strategies with ESG principles and bridging the gap between sustainability goals and financial decision-making. Her strategic vision and strong relationship-building skills have played a critical role in advancing corporate responsibility and driving action across the financial ecosystem.
Through her work, Mónica supports A4S's mission to transform financial practices and foster systemic change towards a sustainable global economy.
Grace Miller
Senior Manager, Education
Grace is responsible for the delivery, growth and impact of the A4S Academy programme; an18-month programme designed to equip and empower senior finance professionals with the skills needed for their businesses to succeed in the face of environmental and social risks and opportunities.
Prior to joining A4S, Grace worked at Pearson managing university partnerships to assess, create and deliver online Masters degrees. Grace is a PRINCE 2 certified project manager and graduated from the University of Sussex with a BA (HONS) in International Relations and Philosophy.
Jasmine Williamson
Senior Manager, Operations
Jasmine coordinates core operations, including HR, IT, governance and finance. She supports the delivery of our global strategy through impact monitoring and evaluation.
Jasmine has 8 years’ experience leading operations in the nonprofit sector. She has extensive experience managing offices, core team and finances, overseeing projects, grants and key events, as well as tracking and reporting on progress.
She holds a 1st Class BA (Hons) in English with Philosophy from the University of Exeter, and a Graduate Diploma in Law from the University of Law, Bristol.
Jenny Williamson
Senior Manager, Knowledge and Technical (maternity leave)
Jenny is a member of the Knowledge and Technical team at A4S, contributing to developing content for our Knowledge Hub and supporting our education programmes.
Before joining A4S, Jenny held senior roles in finance teams, specializing in charity finance and the financial management of restricted projects. More recently, she also worked for a range of organizations and initiatives as a freelance writer and editor.
Jenny is a chartered accountant and has an LLB in Law from the University of Kent, an MPhil in Management from the University of Cambridge and a PGDip in Public Policy and Management from SOAS.
Warda Aljawahiry
Project Manager, Content and Communications
Warda is our Project Manager for Communications and Content. She supports the team to deliver their work ensuring strategic communication is embedded within projects from the outset.
Warda started her career as a journalist covering international news for Reuters and Channel 4 News. Before joining A4S, she worked in communications for the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) for seven years, travelling extensively to cover major displacement crises around the world.
Warda holds an MSc in International Migration and Public Policy from the LSE, a PGDip in Television and Current Affairs Journalism from City University and a BA in Media and Film Studies from The University of Aberystwyth.
Hannah Carmichael
Manager, CFO Programme
As manager of the CFO Programme, Hannah is responsible for coordinating the global teams and supporting the growth of the programme. Hannah has significant experience of building and managing networks of senior business leaders, having run the Financial Times’ Board Director programme in Asia whilst living in Hong Kong.
Hannah is a qualified Prince2 project manager and holds a BA (Hons) degree in Social Policy from the University of Brighton.
Matthew Gadsby
Project Manager, Capital Markets
Matthew is our Capital Markets Project Manager supporting the team to deliver their work, embedding sustainability into strategic and investment decisions through the global financial system.
Before joining A4S, Matthew had an international management career spanning almost forty years in six different major industries ranging from Global Private Equity to Defence.
He is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, holds an MBA, an MSc in Entrepreneurial Consulting and is a qualified Prince2 project manager.
George Teng
Project Manager, Asia Pacific
George is the A4S Project Manager for the Asia Pacific Chapter of the CFO Leadership Network, supporting the organization’s strategic efforts in this region.
He has worked in various multinational organizations for the past 14 years in the Project Management and Process Improvement field.
He holds a BSBA in Operations Management, specializing in Lean Six Sigma, minoring in Economics, from The Ohio State University’s Fisher School of Business.
Katharine Smith
Manager, Knowledge and Technical
Katharine is part of the Knowledge and Technical team at A4S, focusing on developing content for the Knowledge hub, supporting the delivery of the A4S Academy and contributing to a diverse range of A4S projects.
Previously Katharine has worked in external audit at PricewaterhouseCoopers providing assurance for both private sector and FTSE 100-350 across a number of industries. Katharine is a chartered accountant (ACA) and has a BA(Hons) in Geography from Durham University. She also holds a certificate in Sustainability (ICAEW).
Becky Lawson
Manager, People and Culture
Becky supports the day to day operations of A4S, focusing on people management and development. She works to ensure that A4S maintains a supportive working environment and lives out its values so that A4S and everyone here can flourish.
Prior to joining A4S, Becky worked in various third sector organisations. Most recently she was Managing Director for a social enterprise, specialising in supporting people with disabilities into work.
Becky holds a 1st class BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy from the University of Derby.
Andrea Roach
Senior Officer, Marketing and Insights
Andrea is our CRM Champion, with a focus on effective data insight, contact management and marketing, in order to reach our target audience and build engagement within the A4S community.
After graduation she worked for IBM, then moved to Italy where she worked as Operations and Data Manager in the industrial sector for over 20 years.
She later returned to the UK and transitioned into the charity sector, gaining experience with Amnesty International, Oxfam and 5 years as Data Selections and Insights Manager at Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Andrea holds a BSc (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from Brunel University.
Isabella Eastwood
Senior Officer, Communications and Marketing
Isabella supports marketing and communications activities across A4S, supporting on various projects as well as managing A4S' social media presence, content strategy, and the website.
Prior to joining A4S, Isabella worked as a copywriter and freelance journalist. Isabella has a BA (First Class) in English and American Literature and Sociology from the University of Kent, and an MSc (Merit) in Media, Communications and International Journalism from the University of Glasgow.
Alicia Szmelter
Senior Officer, Events and Projects
Alicia supports events and projects at A4S. She joined A4S in 2021 as an Intern in the Capital Markets team.
Prior to A4S, she completed a placement year at the Office for National Statistics in the Environmental Accounts team. Alicia holds a BSc (Hons) in Economics from the University of Surrey.
Olivia Sandlant
Senior Officer, Capital Markets
Olivia supports the running of the European Chapter of the Asset Owners Network in the Capital Markets team.
Prior to A4S, Olivia worked in business consulting at EY and in the Research team at an investment advisory firm in New Zealand.
Olivia has a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Economics and Marketing.
Lydia Martin
Executive Assistant
Lydia joined A4S whilst completing her masters degree at UCL, London, studying Prosperity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Previously she headed up the New Business, Strategy, and Marketing Department for an international Film Festival, leaving behind a legacy programme focused on the environment and ecology.
She has always had sustainability as a central focus whilst working in fashion, PR, tech start-ups, and more recently assisting in the development of a sustainability strategy for a new F1 team.
Lois Daniells
Team Personal Assistant
Lois provides executive and administrative support to both the Executive team and the wider organisation, helping to ensure the smooth running of operations and effective team coordination.
Before joining A4S, she worked in the children’s hospice sector, supporting Chief Executives and playing a key role in delivering care to children and their families.
Lois was born in Hong Kong, grew up in Singapore, and studied International Hospitality Management at Brighton University.
James Williams
Officer, Operations and Administrative
James helps coordinate core operations, including IT, operational excellence and alignment across A4S - directly and indirectly supporting the global team to efficiently, effectively and collaboratively deliver their best work.
Prior to joining A4S, James worked as a Project Manager in Financial Services before moving to the nonprofit sector. He led projects supporting the strategic direction for mission and operations related activities. James has a BA (Hons) in Business and Management from Oxford Brookes University.
Lindsay Hackett
Associate
Lindsay Hackett is an Associate at Accounting for Sustainability Foundation (US) Inc. assisting with relationship management, networking and operations.
Prior to joining A4S, Lindsay worked in the executive search at Korn Ferry and True Search. She also worked as a Client Associate at Third Bridge, an expert network service firm, assisting institutional investor clients fulfill market research needs. Lindsay graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas with a degree in Advertising. Lindsay lives in Los Angeles.
Jessica Okwukaogu
Coordinator, Events
Jessica provides support in the organization and delivery of high profile A4S events across our global networks of CFOs, investors and accounting bodies.
Prior to joining A4S, Jessica completed an International Business with Spanish degree at both Nottingham Trent University, and the University of Valencia, and co-led a sustainability student society during her final year of study.
Natalie Jackson
Consultant, Knowledge and Technical Team
Natalie is part of the Knowledge and Technical team at A4S, focusing on developing content for the Knowledge Hub and supporting the delivery of the Academy programme, Finance for the Future Awards and Capital Markets programme.
Natalie also completes consultancy work for the Global Ethical Finance Initiative (GEFI) working with financial institutions on topics such as the SDGs, net zero, impact and nature-based solutions. Natalie currently sits on the Social Growth Fund board at Social Investment Scotland, advising on the disbursement of £17m of funding to Scottish social enterprises.
Previously Natalie has worked in corporate finance at EY and project finance at QMPF, specialising in renewable energy projects.
Natalie is a chartered accountant and has a BSc in Mathematics and Chemistry from the University of St Andrews.
Kathryn Jackson
Consultant, Knowledge and Technical Team
Kathryn works on A4S's Knowledge and Technical projects, drawing on over 10 years of experience in the accounting and sustainability field.
Prior to A4S, Kathryn worked at KPMG as Sustainability and Climate Change Senior Manager, advising companies on their sustainability management processes, compliance with current and upcoming legislation and the robustness of their external reporting.
