TAYLOR, Richard, F.E.I. (UK)
Executive Director

Since graduating in Earth Science (Water Resources) in 1985, Richard Taylor has been involved in water and energy projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America. He has written and edited numerous technical papers and periodicals, and is an appointed Fellow of the British Energy Institute (FIE).

In 1995, in collaboration with the International Hydrological Programme of UNESCO, Mr Taylor became a founding Board Member of the International Hydropower Association (IHA), and since 2001 he has been appointed as the Association’s Executive Director.

He has been, or is currently, engaged in several United Nations initiatives on water (WWDR and UNEP), energy (UNIDO and UNDESA) and climate change (UNESCO and IPCC).

Mr Taylor has served as an advisor to the World Bank, the International Energy Agency, the World Energy Council, the World Water Council and is IHA's representative to the International Renewable Energy Alliance.

Languages: English

LOCHER, Helen (Australia)
Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Forum (HSAF) Coordinator

Helen Locher joined IHA in May 2008 as coordinator for the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Forum, the goal of which is to establish a broadly endorsed sustainability assessment tool to measure and guide performance in the hydropower sector, integrating economic, social, and environmental considerations. 

Helen has worked with the hydropower sector for the past fifteen years, both through her PhD research and with Hydro Tasmania in environmental management and sustainability roles. Helen has a BSc in Earth Science, a MSc in Environmental Science, a PhD in Civil Engineering (river hydraulics and sediment transport), and has commenced a Bachelor of Economics degree. She has also held several roles with government in licensing, regulation and major project approvals; with the NGO sector; and with CLP Group, the largest private energy investor in China.

Languages: English

GOLDENFUM, Joel (Brasil)
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Research Project Manager

Joel Goldenfum joined IHA in August 2008 as Project Manager of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Research. His task is to coordinate an international research effort aiming to obtain a better understanding of the impact of reservoirs on natural GHG emissions, working in close collaboration with a scientific forum established by UNESCO.

Joel has worked with private and public companies for the past twenty five years, performing and coordinating research and technical engineering projects within the fields of hydrology, hydropower and water technology. He has a degree in Civil Engineering, an MSc in Civil Engineering/Water Resources and a PhD in Civil Engineering/Hydrology. Prior to working for IHA, he was Professor at the Federal University of RS, in Brazil, performing academic teaching and supervision (in Brazil, Argentina, Cape Vert and France), publishing on national and international forums, working in multidisciplinary programmes (inclusive WMO and UNESCO-IHP) and also organizing scientific and technical meetings.

Languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian.

SAILI, Lau (New Zealand)
Policy Analyst

Lau Saili joined IHA in April 2009 as the Policy Analyst. Lau graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Politics) Conjoint Degree from the University of Auckland, New Zealand (NZ) and his degree focused on international and NZ natural resources, environmental law and policy. Having been admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of NZ and to full membership of the Environmental Institute of Australia and NZ, he held, for the past seven years, a senior analyst legal role in a management consultancy of some renown in NZ.

Lau's responsibilities at IHA relate to policy and legal analysis, particularly in the areas of water, energy, and climate change. His role has two broad components. Firstly, acting as an information ‘feed’ – keeping abreast of, and reporting on, the latest policy and legal developments internationally and regionally. Secondly, acting as a representative in international and regional fora, promoting a balanced, consensus-building, approach.

Languages: English

SMITH, Philip (UK)
Communications Officer

Philip Smith joined IHA in December 2008 as the IHA Communications Officer. Philip has a BA in History and Politics from the University of Exeter, UK, and also holds a Professional Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Prior to joining IHA, Philip worked within the paper industry, in a variety of communications and sustainability roles. He was responsible for ensuring that messages to target audiences were delivered effectively, on time and to budget, through the correct channels, and has been a champion of continuous improvement through his role in Quality Management auditing.

Philip’s main responsibilities at IHA are to provide support on the Sustainability, Water, Climate and Energy Initiatives, to liaise with the IHA membership and to coordinate the external communications effort, including the membership recruitment initiative, media relations, the Connect newsletter, our World Congress and the website.

Languages: English.

SCHUMANN, Kristin (Germany)
Project Officer

Kristin Schumann joined IHA in January 2009 as a Project Officer. Kristin studied Cultural Sciences at the Europe University in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany, before obtaining a Masters degree in International Affairs from the Institute of Political Studies in Paris, France, where she specialized in sustainable development.

Prior to joining IHA, Kristin interned with the German cooperation in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in a Youth Employment Promotion Programme, which had a particular focus on waste management. Furthermore, she has organized conferences on sustainable development in Africa and has worked within the Supporter Services Department of the Fairtrade Foundation in London.

At IHA, Kristin provides support to the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Forum, to the Greenhouse Gas project and to the Water, Energy and Climate initiative. Her main responsibilities are contributing to documents and publications, assuring the smooth preparation of events and meetings and liaising with forum and working group members.

Languages: German, English and French.

TRACZ, Gregory (France)
Programme Officer

Gregory Tracz joined the IHA team as Programme Officer in March 2009 and is based at the IHA Central Office in London. He graduated with a Master’s in Public Affairs from Sciences Po (Paris, France) and a Master’s in Environmental Law from the University of Paris.

Prior to joining IHA, Gregory assisted teams at the French Ministry of Environment and French Global Environment Facility. He also interned at the US Senate, Washington D.C., and US Embassy, Paris. His responsibilities at IHA include coordination of IHA’s World Congress, recruitment of new members, assisting with renewable energy policy initiatives and supporting outreach activities.

Languages: English, French and German.

STEEL, Kate (UK)
Executive Secretary

Kate Steel is the Executive Secretary of the Central Office. After studying English Literature and Art at Bath University, UK, she spent 10 years with Vodafone UK where she managed the Database Department and the Customer Relations Team. She went on to work at a law firm before becoming the Operational Support Manager for the London Wildcare Trust.

Kate joined IHA in March 2007. She is currently responsible for membership administration, congress planning and logistics, accounting, office management, health and safety coordination, and general assistance to the Executive Director.

Languages: English

Ray Jarrard, FCA (UK)
IHA Auditor

Ray Jarrard is a Partner at Clemence Hoar Cummings (CHC), Chartered Accountants. Ray's expertise is in taxation with particular interest in VAT and Capital Taxes. He specializes in property matters and the construction industries.

He merged his own practice with CHC in 1993, and has been engaged as the Auditor of the International Hydropower Association since 2001. CHC also conducts IHA’s payroll administration through its Management Services Division.

Languages: English