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Leadership
Meet the team behind YOUR growth
We are proud of and grateful to the immensely experienced, diverse and dedicated
team leading VIP's efforts to tackle global hunger with Israeli expertise.
MANAGEMENT
LEADERSHIP
Danielle Abraham
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Danielle has spent her career in Israel dedicated to connecting Israeli expertise to needs in developing countries. At present she is the Executive Director of Volcani International Partnerships, an NGO dedicated to promoting Israeli agricultural innovation and expertise for the benefit of Israel and the world. Prior to this position, Danielle was the Co-Chair of the annual ID2 Conference and co-founder of Impact Investing Israel, working to develop the impact investment sector in Israel. Danielle started her career in Israel as a senior policy advisor in MASHAV, Israel’s agency for International Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In this role she represented Israel, as a guest speaker, at the UN, OECD and German Development Bank. Danielle made Aliyah from London, where she worked for the Strategy and International Directorate of the UK Home Office. Danielle holds a B.A. and an M.A. from the University of Oxford and lives in Tel Aviv with her husband and son.
Danielle has spent her career in Israel dedicated to connecting Israeli expertise to needs in developing countries. At present she is the Executive Director of Volcani International Partnerships, an NGO dedicated to promoting Israeli agricultural innovation and expertise for the benefit of Israel and the world. Prior to this position, Danielle was the Co-Chair of the annual ID2 Conference and co-founder of Impact Investing Israel, working to develop the impact investment sector in Israel. Danielle started her career in Israel as a senior policy advisor in MASHAV, Israel’s agency for International Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In this role she represented Israel, as a guest speaker, at the UN, OECD and German Development Bank. Danielle made Aliyah from London, where she worked for the Strategy and International Directorate of the UK Home Office. Danielle holds a B.A. and an M.A. from the University of Oxford and lives in Tel Aviv with her husband and son.
David Chapot
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
David’s life was changed by the book Man’s Search for Meaning which pushed him to pursue a career dedicated to tackling key challenges close to his heart. David has worked with Volcani International Partnerships (VIP) since September 2020, first as Director of Programs and more recently as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to this, David worked in counter-terrorism for over five years: culminating in leading the largest local government counter-radicalisation team in the United Kingdom. In his last appraisal in this role he was described as a ‘national asset’. Elected by his peers as the Chair of the London Prevent Network, he also held pan-London responsibilities (including with regards to community tension monitoring in the wake of terrorist attacks). An accomplished speaker, David has lectured in post-graduate courses, presented original peer-reviewed research at academic conferences, been interviewed on BBC News and BBC Radio London, and briefed government Ministers. David is a graduate of the University of Manchester, King's College London and the World Class Manager program. He lives in London with his wife and son. He is fluent in French and English.
David’s life was changed by the book Man’s Search for Meaning which pushed him to pursue a career dedicated to tackling key challenges close to his heart. David has worked with Volcani International Partnerships (VIP) since September 2020, first as Director of Programs and more recently as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to this, David worked in counter-terrorism for over five years: culminating in leading the largest local government counter-radicalisation team in the United Kingdom. In his last appraisal in this role he was described as a ‘national asset’. Elected by his peers as the Chair of the London Prevent Network, he also held pan-London responsibilities (including with regards to community tension monitoring in the wake of terrorist attacks). An accomplished speaker, David has lectured in post-graduate courses, presented original peer-reviewed research at academic conferences, been interviewed on BBC News and BBC Radio London, and briefed government Ministers. David is a graduate of the University of Manchester, King's College London and the World Class Manager program. He lives in London with his wife and son. He is fluent in French and English.
Prof. Itamar Glazer
HEAD OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Over the course of his career, Prof. Glazer has served as the Volcani Institute’s Director of R&D, Head of the Plant Sciences Institute and Director of the Technology Transfer Unit. Prof. Glazer is also an affiliated Professor at the Hebrew University in the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Prof. Glazer is renowned in the field of biological pest control where he developed new microbial control agents. He holds four patents, has published over 200 peer reviewed articles and has edited two books. Prof. Glazer holds a PhD in Agriculture from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Over the course of his career, Prof. Glazer has served as the Volcani Institute’s Director of R&D, Head of the Plant Sciences Institute and Director of the Technology Transfer Unit. Prof. Glazer is also an affiliated Professor at the Hebrew University in the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Prof. Glazer is renowned in the field of biological pest control where he developed new microbial control agents. He holds four patents, has published over 200 peer reviewed articles and has edited two books. Prof. Glazer holds a PhD in Agriculture from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Dr. Shmuel Gross
HEAD OF AGRONOMY AND EXTENSION
In recent years, Dr. Gross served in multiple executive roles at the extension & administration department, including deputy director of the extension service department with more than 150 employees, and acting director of the extension service. These roles included close connections with all the agricultural interfaces in Israel including research institutes, universities, commercial companies, and local R&D facilities.
In recent years, Dr. Gross served in multiple executive roles at the extension & administration department, including deputy director of the extension service department with more than 150 employees, and acting director of the extension service. These roles included close connections with all the agricultural interfaces in Israel including research institutes, universities, commercial companies, and local R&D facilities.
US Board of Directors
U.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Volcani International Partnerships – US, Inc. is an independent Delaware nonprofit organization, which shares a similar mission and similar values with the Israeli organization Volcani International Partnerships.
Adam Lurie
CHAIRMAN
Head of Linklaters' Dispute Resolution Practice in the United States and the Americas, and Linklaters’ Washington D.C. office, Adam is recognized internationally as among the best lawyers in his field. He is lead counsel for multinational companies, financial institutions, foreign governments and leaders, and is also active in the realm of non-profit organizations.
Head of Linklaters' Dispute Resolution Practice in the United States and the Americas, and Linklaters’ Washington D.C. office, Adam is recognized internationally as among the best lawyers in his field. He is lead counsel for multinational companies, financial institutions, foreign governments and leaders, and is also active in the realm of non-profit organizations.
Malcolm Hoenlein
BOARD MEMBER
Malcolm Hoenlein is the Vice Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the coordinating body for 53 national Jewish organizations. He received his B.A. from Temple University and completed his doctoral course work at the University of Pennsylvania where he taught International Relations and was a Middle East specialist at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He was the Founding Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater New York and of the Greater New York Conference on Soviet Jewry. Mr. Hoenlein appears regularly in the media, including three weekly nationally syndicated radio broadcasts, and has lectured and met leading officials throughout the world. A recipient of many awards, including the Guardian of Jerusalem, the highest recognition of the capital city, the Guardian of Zion award, the Defender of Israel award, four Honorary Doctorates, and two honorary Fellowships, he is associated with and serves on the boards of many communal, educational and civic organizations. He is on the board of the Council for Secure America, the Secure Community Network, and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Malcolm Hoenlein is the Vice Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the coordinating body for 53 national Jewish organizations. He received his B.A. from Temple University and completed his doctoral course work at the University of Pennsylvania where he taught International Relations and was a Middle East specialist at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He was the Founding Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater New York and of the Greater New York Conference on Soviet Jewry. Mr. Hoenlein appears regularly in the media, including three weekly nationally syndicated radio broadcasts, and has lectured and met leading officials throughout the world. A recipient of many awards, including the Guardian of Jerusalem, the highest recognition of the capital city, the Guardian of Zion award, the Defender of Israel award, four Honorary Doctorates, and two honorary Fellowships, he is associated with and serves on the boards of many communal, educational and civic organizations. He is on the board of the Council for Secure America, the Secure Community Network, and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Sandra Hoffen
BOARD MEMBER
Sandra is a former Partner at First New York, Managing Director at Deltec Asset Management, and Principle at American Industrial Partners. She is a trustee of the Riverdale Country School, an Emeritus Member of Columbia's Board of Visitors, former trustee of the Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Gardens, and is on the Chairman's Council at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Sandra is a former Partner at First New York, Managing Director at Deltec Asset Management, and Principle at American Industrial Partners. She is a trustee of the Riverdale Country School, an Emeritus Member of Columbia's Board of Visitors, former trustee of the Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Gardens, and is on the Chairman's Council at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Lord Stuart Polak
BOARD MEMBER
Appointed in 2015 as Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for political service, Lord Polak previously served as the Education Director of Board of Deputies of British Jews (1984 1989), and as the Director of the Conservative Friends of Israel. Today he remains its honorary president, and serves as chairman of TWC Associates and as a senior consultant to Marsh & McLennan.
Lord Stuart Polak was born and educated in Liverpool, England. He served as the Education Director of Board of Deputies of British Jews from 1984 1989. Lord Polak became the Director of the Conservative Friends of Israel in 1989, where he served for twenty-six years. Since stepping down in August 2015, he serves as its honorary president. He also serves as chairman of TWC Associates and as a senior consultant to Marsh & McLennan. Lord Polak was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for political service in the 2015 New Year Honours. He was created a life peer taking the title Lord Polak of Hertsmere in the County of Hertfordshire on October 2nd 2015.
Appointed in 2015 as Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for political service, Lord Polak previously served as the Education Director of Board of Deputies of British Jews (1984 1989), and as the Director of the Conservative Friends of Israel. Today he remains its honorary president, and serves as chairman of TWC Associates and as a senior consultant to Marsh & McLennan.
Lord Stuart Polak was born and educated in Liverpool, England. He served as the Education Director of Board of Deputies of British Jews from 1984 1989. Lord Polak became the Director of the Conservative Friends of Israel in 1989, where he served for twenty-six years. Since stepping down in August 2015, he serves as its honorary president. He also serves as chairman of TWC Associates and as a senior consultant to Marsh & McLennan. Lord Polak was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for political service in the 2015 New Year Honours. He was created a life peer taking the title Lord Polak of Hertsmere in the County of Hertfordshire on October 2nd 2015.
Israel Board of Directors
ISRAEL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Volcani international Partnerships is a registered non-profit in Israel. VIP's board comprises renowned Israeli leaders ffrom the fields of agriculture, international develop
Prof. Uri Mingelgrin
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Prof. Uri Mingelgrin is the Chairman of the Board of Volcani International Partnerships. He is also active as an emeritus scientist at the Volcani Center, Institute of Soils, Water and Environmental Sciences. In this capacity, he has chaired and is a member of a number of important committees that deal with environmental issues. For example, Prof. Mingelgrin chaired the joint government-private sector committee that determined the methodology, later adopted by the Israeli government, for formulating environmental laws and regulations. Since 2007 Prof. Mingelgrin has also served as an environmental consultant, specializing in environmental issues, in particular as related to soil and water pollution and remediation. Between 1994 and 1999 he served as the Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Environment and for over two years (2005-2007) as the Director of Scientific Affairs of the Volcani Center. Prior to this position, Prof. Uri Mingelgrin served as a researcher in the Institute of Soils, water and environmental sciences of the Volcani Center.
Prof. Uri Mingelgrin is the Chairman of the Board of Volcani International Partnerships. He is also active as an emeritus scientist at the Volcani Center, Institute of Soils, Water and Environmental Sciences. In this capacity, he has chaired and is a member of a number of important committees that deal with environmental issues. For example, Prof. Mingelgrin chaired the joint government-private sector committee that determined the methodology, later adopted by the Israeli government, for formulating environmental laws and regulations. Since 2007 Prof. Mingelgrin has also served as an environmental consultant, specializing in environmental issues, in particular as related to soil and water pollution and remediation. Between 1994 and 1999 he served as the Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Environment and for over two years (2005-2007) as the Director of Scientific Affairs of the Volcani Center. Prior to this position, Prof. Uri Mingelgrin served as a researcher in the Institute of Soils, water and environmental sciences of the Volcani Center.
Daniel Ben Yehuda
BOARD MEMBER
Daniel Ben Yehuda is a business development expert, with an emphasis on renewable energy and Fintech sectors. Passionate about catalyzing innovations and scaling impact businesses to solve global challenges. He currently leads a venture builder which invests and helps grow new companies in the Fintech space (www.om2.com). He sits on the board and supports business development activities in various OM2 portfolio companies (CreditPlace, Straterix...). Previously, Daniel spent 3 years as Director of Business Development at Lumos, providing access to affordable solar power to off-grid homes and business . Prior to that served as deputy Director of the Pears Global Innovation program at Tel Aviv University and co-founder of of the IsraelDev Network, and the DevTechHub wich all focused on policy and community building activities aimed to catalize technology solutions that answer needs of developing countries. Beyond these, Daniel also co-chaired the ID2 connection point, established an Israel Africa business forum event series and provides ongoing support to several Israeli non-profits and social ventures. Daniel holds an M.A. in environmental studies with a focus on eco-innovation and technology transfer to developing countries. His Master's thesis compared the business models used by Israeli drip irrigation companies in their Indian market activities.
Daniel Ben Yehuda is a business development expert, with an emphasis on renewable energy and Fintech sectors. Passionate about catalyzing innovations and scaling impact businesses to solve global challenges. He currently leads a venture builder which invests and helps grow new companies in the Fintech space (www.om2.com). He sits on the board and supports business development activities in various OM2 portfolio companies (CreditPlace, Straterix...). Previously, Daniel spent 3 years as Director of Business Development at Lumos, providing access to affordable solar power to off-grid homes and business . Prior to that served as deputy Director of the Pears Global Innovation program at Tel Aviv University and co-founder of of the IsraelDev Network, and the DevTechHub wich all focused on policy and community building activities aimed to catalize technology solutions that answer needs of developing countries. Beyond these, Daniel also co-chaired the ID2 connection point, established an Israel Africa business forum event series and provides ongoing support to several Israeli non-profits and social ventures. Daniel holds an M.A. in environmental studies with a focus on eco-innovation and technology transfer to developing countries. His Master's thesis compared the business models used by Israeli drip irrigation companies in their Indian market activities.
Avinoam Brog
BOARD MEMBER
Avinoam Brog is Chairman of “Ipsos Israel” Board, formerly known as Market Watch Ltd. A clinical psychologist by profession, Mr Brog is one of the most respected market analysts and political advisors in Israel. Mr. Brog has served as a researcher and advisor for his brother, former Prime Minister Mr. Ehud Barak during his election campaigns. He has also worked as an advisor and researcher to numerous political parties and local government candidates over the years. Mr. Brog is well known in Israel, his firm has done research for the leading companies in Israel and globally. He is well connected in both the Israeli business and political communities. Mr. Brog is an advisor to many leading Israeli firms and sits on numerous boards. For example, he is on the board of Volcani International Partnerships and is the founder and chairman of the board of ‘Brainster’ an artificial intelligence, cloud based neuromarketing start up. Mr. Brog speaks English, Hebrew and Spanish fluently and has spent several years abroad as an emissary of the State of Israel.
Avinoam Brog is Chairman of “Ipsos Israel” Board, formerly known as Market Watch Ltd. A clinical psychologist by profession, Mr Brog is one of the most respected market analysts and political advisors in Israel. Mr. Brog has served as a researcher and advisor for his brother, former Prime Minister Mr. Ehud Barak during his election campaigns. He has also worked as an advisor and researcher to numerous political parties and local government candidates over the years. Mr. Brog is well known in Israel, his firm has done research for the leading companies in Israel and globally. He is well connected in both the Israeli business and political communities. Mr. Brog is an advisor to many leading Israeli firms and sits on numerous boards. For example, he is on the board of Volcani International Partnerships and is the founder and chairman of the board of ‘Brainster’ an artificial intelligence, cloud based neuromarketing start up. Mr. Brog speaks English, Hebrew and Spanish fluently and has spent several years abroad as an emissary of the State of Israel.
Joanne Moore
BOARD MEMBER
Joanne Moore is an international development assistance professional with more than 25 years of project management and business development experience in Africa, Asia, and Haiti. Joanne provides consulting service to USAID's implementing partners through her company, JoMoConsult LLC. She has also partnered with Duke University’s Dr. Bob Malkin to form Pratt Pouch Consulting and promote and expand the use of the Pratt Pouch to increase access to life-saving antiretroviral medications for the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). Previously, Joanne served as the Senior Vice President of the Africa and Haiti Region at Chemonics International, Inc., piloted a social franchise for PMTCT in Uganda for Population Services International, and focused on guinea worm eradication as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin. Joanne serves on the boards of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC/The Joint), Yahel Service Learning Program, and the American Associates of Ben Gurion University. Joanne earned a B.A. in African and Afro-American Studies and the Political Economy of Developing Countries from Brandeis University and a M.Sc. in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Joanne Moore is an international development assistance professional with more than 25 years of project management and business development experience in Africa, Asia, and Haiti. Joanne provides consulting service to USAID's implementing partners through her company, JoMoConsult LLC. She has also partnered with Duke University’s Dr. Bob Malkin to form Pratt Pouch Consulting and promote and expand the use of the Pratt Pouch to increase access to life-saving antiretroviral medications for the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). Previously, Joanne served as the Senior Vice President of the Africa and Haiti Region at Chemonics International, Inc., piloted a social franchise for PMTCT in Uganda for Population Services International, and focused on guinea worm eradication as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin. Joanne serves on the boards of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC/The Joint), Yahel Service Learning Program, and the American Associates of Ben Gurion University. Joanne earned a B.A. in African and Afro-American Studies and the Political Economy of Developing Countries from Brandeis University and a M.Sc. in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Prof. Dov Prusky
BOARD MEMBER
Prof. Dov Prusky is a member of the Board of Volcani International Partnerships. He is active as an emeritus scientist at the Volcani Center’s Institute of Food Science, Department of Postharvest Science, where he serves as a scientific advisor on the subject of Mycotoxin. He also acts as an academic advisor in other Israeli Universities and Colleges, and in academic institutions around the World. Prof. Prusky was the Director of Scientific Affairs of the Volcani Center. Prior to this position, Prof. Prusky was the Head of the Institute of Food Technology and Chairman of the Department of Postharvest Science of Fresh Produce. Prof. Prusky was chosen as "Scientist of the Year '' in 2002 and granted the "Life Achievement" prize in 2012. The International Society of Plant Pathology, elected him as "Honorary Fellow of the ISPP" in recognition of his exemplary service to ISPP. Prof. Prusky is an Invited Professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Agriculture.
Prof. Dov Prusky is a member of the Board of Volcani International Partnerships. He is active as an emeritus scientist at the Volcani Center’s Institute of Food Science, Department of Postharvest Science, where he serves as a scientific advisor on the subject of Mycotoxin. He also acts as an academic advisor in other Israeli Universities and Colleges, and in academic institutions around the World. Prof. Prusky was the Director of Scientific Affairs of the Volcani Center. Prior to this position, Prof. Prusky was the Head of the Institute of Food Technology and Chairman of the Department of Postharvest Science of Fresh Produce. Prof. Prusky was chosen as "Scientist of the Year '' in 2002 and granted the "Life Achievement" prize in 2012. The International Society of Plant Pathology, elected him as "Honorary Fellow of the ISPP" in recognition of his exemplary service to ISPP. Prof. Prusky is an Invited Professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Agriculture.
Dr. Zohara Yaniv
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Zohara Yaniv teaches in different academic institutions in Israel, including the Hebrew University Agricultural Sciences Campus in Rehovot, the Bar- Ilan School of Pharmacy, and Tel Hashomer and Asaf Harofeh Hospitals. She was also a visiting scientist at universities around the world, including in the US, France, Austria, and China. She is internationally acclaimed for her research on the use of plants for medicinal purposes. For example, Dr. Yaniv was partner to the discovery of plant based omega 3 oils such as sage oils, which are used as an alternative to fish oils. From 1993 to 2001, Dr. Yaniv served as head of the Unit for International Cooperation at the Volcani center. She led agricultural research cooperations between Israeli scientists and other countries such as Turkey, China, Germany, Italy, Korea and Poland. After retiring in 2002 Dr. Yaniv continued lecturing in universities, and organized national conferences in Medicinal Plants and their use in medicine. She is one of the founders of EILAM, the Israeli Association of Medicinal Plants, and is a very active member of the board.
Dr. Zohara Yaniv teaches in different academic institutions in Israel, including the Hebrew University Agricultural Sciences Campus in Rehovot, the Bar- Ilan School of Pharmacy, and Tel Hashomer and Asaf Harofeh Hospitals. She was also a visiting scientist at universities around the world, including in the US, France, Austria, and China. She is internationally acclaimed for her research on the use of plants for medicinal purposes. For example, Dr. Yaniv was partner to the discovery of plant based omega 3 oils such as sage oils, which are used as an alternative to fish oils. From 1993 to 2001, Dr. Yaniv served as head of the Unit for International Cooperation at the Volcani center. She led agricultural research cooperations between Israeli scientists and other countries such as Turkey, China, Germany, Italy, Korea and Poland. After retiring in 2002 Dr. Yaniv continued lecturing in universities, and organized national conferences in Medicinal Plants and their use in medicine. She is one of the founders of EILAM, the Israeli Association of Medicinal Plants, and is a very active member of the board.
Special Advisors