Sarah E. Alexander
President and CEO

Sarah Alexander is the founding President and CEO of EMPEA, a global, non-profit association that promotes the development of the private equity and venture capital asset class in emerging markets. Comprised of 300 leading fund managers and institutional investors, EMPEA is the leading provider of authoritative information and insight into the development of and opportunities in the private equity and venture capital industry in emerging economies. Sarah speaks frequently to global audiences on the opportunities and challenges of investing in emerging markets. She is a frequent contributor to industry research and publications.

Prior to EMPEA, Sarah was a private equity investor in Asia with Emerging Markets Partnership (now EMP Global), managing private equity transactions across the region. Previously, she was with the World Bank Group, where she designed new initiatives for private sector participation in development finance. Earlier in her career, she worked with the U.S. Department of State managing international trade and financial policies, including US policy toward transition economies in Eastern Europe. She began her career as a foreign policy adviser in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Sarah received an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, a Masters of Public Administration from Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School, and a B.A. in history, summa cum laude, from Emory University. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Meridian International Center in Washington, D.C. and is a member of the Bretton Woods Committee. She is a past member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has been an Adjunct Professor of finance at Georgetown University.

Carlos Perry
Chief Operating Officer

As EMPEA’s Chief Operating Officer, Carlos Perry manages EMPEA’s research, membership, events and business development activities. He is also responsible for EMPEA’s financial and day-to-day operations, and he plays a leadership role in developing new strategic partnerships for the organization. Before joining EMPEA, Carlos was a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Company, working with financial services, media and telecom clients in North America and Asia.

Previously, Carlos served as Executive Vice President – International for the Yankee Group, a technology research firm, where he spent seven years building the company’s fast-growing international operations. Based in London and Boston, he was a member of the senior management team that successfully sold the company to Reuters in 2000. At Yankee, Carlos launched new products, subsidiaries and joint ventures in markets including Japan, the U.K., Australia, Brazil, Mexico, China, Korea and South Africa. He also led consulting engagements related to telecom liberalization in Brazil, India, the UAE, Thailand and other markets, including work for venture capital, private equity, investment banking and government clients. Prior to Yankee Carlos was an entrepreneur and consultant in St. Petersburg, Russia and Budapest, Hungary.

Carlos holds an MBA in finance from Columbia Business School, a Masters of Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University and a BA in international politics from the Elliott School at George Washington University.

Jennifer Choi
Vice President, Industry and External Affairs

Jennifer Choi manages EMPEA’s member and industry engagement initiatives. Jennifer runs the association's regional Member Councils, and works with EMPEA's Legal and Regulatory Council to encourage policy frameworks that support the growth of the asset class. A frequent speaker and commentator on the industry, Jennifer also oversees the association's communications with the media and non-industry audiences, as well as EMPEA's institutional partnerships and global collaboration efforts.

As EMPEA’s first research director from 2006 to 2011, Jennifer built EMPEA's content portfolio, including the EMPEA Insights and Private Equity Impact Case Studies series, and led the creation of the industry's first global database of private equity activity in emerging markets. Prior to EMPEA, Jennifer was a consultant with Boston-based Stax Inc., leading due diligence engagements and providing advisory services and portfolio company strategic planning support for the private equity industry. Jennifer’s previous experience includes organizational development and strategy consulting for clients in the healthcare, financial services and pharmaceutical sectors.

Jennifer holds a Masters in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University and a B.A. summa cum laude in Economics and Political Science from Augustana College.

Kyoko Terada
Senior Manager, Member Services

Kyoko Terada is the Senior Manager of Member Services at EMPEA, responsible for all aspects of member relationship management. Her day-to-day activities include planning and directing each stage of the membership development process, from recruitment and orientation of new members, fulfillment of member requests, coordination of engagement and involvement of members by means of various EMPEA platforms, and the membership renewal process.

Previously, she was a research associate and senior editor at Dittberner Associates, Inc., a telecommunications management consulting firm. While at DAI, she led consulting projects for leading telecom equipment vendors in the areas of digital and optical switching, OSS, and broadband access. Prior experiences have included research and writing jobs at the United Nations in Geneva, the US State Department, and the United Nations Associations in Boston and London. Kyoko graduated cum laude from Boston University with a B.A. in International Relations and a minor in History. While an undergraduate student, she studied Modern British History and Politics at Oxford University. She holds a Master of Arts in International Affairs with a specialization in International Law and Human Rights from the School of International Studies at the American University. She is trilingual, speaking English, Japanese and Spanish.

Shannon Stroud
Director of Programs and Events

As EMPEA’s Director of Programs and Events, Shannon Stroud manages EMPEA’s portfolio of programs and events, including the IFC-EMPEA Global Private Equity Conference, Private Equity in Africa Leadership Summit and Capital Impact as well as all of EMPEA’s webcast initiatives. In addition to program and content development and speaker identification, Shannon manages all of the associated sponsorship relationships and underlying event partnerships, and provides financial oversight for all of these efforts.

Most recently prior to EMPEA, Shannon worked as a Principal with private-equity investment firm Pine Creek Partners identifying, reviewing and executing management buyouts and recapitalizations across a variety of industries. She also provided guidance and support to portfolio companies and while there served on the board of Drew Foam Companies Inc. Prior to Pine Creek Partners, she worked with CapitalSource Finance LLC where she originated, analyzed, underwrote and structured senior secured and unsecured debt financings, mezzanine capital and equity co-invests within the specialty finance and security industries. Prior to joining CapitalSource in 2003, Shannon worked with Fannie Mae, Microstrategy and finally Arthur Andersen's Business Consulting Group where she began her career.

Shannon earned an MBA from Georgetown's McDonough School of Business and graduated cum laude from the University of Richmond where she received a B.A. in Economics and International Studies with a concentration in International Economics and a minor in Journalism and French. She has traveled extensively throughout Africa, Europe and Latin America and studied and lived in Paris through the MICEFA program, a consortium of the Universities of France.

Emily Sandhaus
Manager, Programs and Events

Emily Sandhaus is EMPEA's Manager, Programs & Events. In addition to managing EMPEA's major annual conferences in Washington, D.C. and London, Emily's primary activities include managing conference needs for EMPEA members and sponsors, overseeing delegate registration and preparations for EMPEA members-only events, and liaising with speakers to ensure high quality conference content. Prior to joining EMPEA, Emily was a Sales Manager with Hilton Worldwide, an international hospitality leader. During her time with Hilton Worldwide, Emily assisted non-profit associations, corporations, and government agencies in planning professional events and conferences. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Miami, with a focus in International Finance and Marketing.

Nadiya Satyamurthy
Director, Research Department

Nadiya Satyamurthy is a Director in EMPEA’s Research Department where she is lead manager for a number of EMPEA’s publications including the EMPEA Insight Series and the EM PE Quarterly Review. Nadiya authors content on behalf of the organization by leveraging EMPEA’s data program and engaging with EMPEA members and other industry stakeholders.

Prior to joining EMPEA, Nadiya worked as a Public Finance Fixed Income Associate, initially at UBS Investment Bank and most recently Merrill Lynch, where she assisted numerous not-for-profit organizations in evaluating their financial management strategies and accessing the tax-exempt bond market. Additionally, Nadiya previously served as a Senior International Business Associate for MASA, Inc., an international consulting firm focused on structuring strategic international partnerships and devising solutions for startups interested in raising capital. Nadiya holds a B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University’s School of International & Public Affairs with a concentration in International Finance.

Michael Casey
Senior Associate, Research Department

Michael Casey is a Senior Associate in EMPEA’s Research Department. Michael is a writer and co-manager for EMPEA’s suite of publications and is responsible for the Impact Case Study Series. In addition, Michael speaks frequently with EMPEA members and industry stakeholders—including pension funds and regulators—to discuss developments in the asset class and to identify hurdles to emerging markets private equity investment.

Prior to joining EMPEA, Michael worked as an Associate at Ergo, a research and strategy consulting firm, where he advised private equity, hedge fund and corporate investors across the emerging markets. His previous experience includes several years at the U.S. Department of Defense. Michael holds a B.A. in International Affairs from Mary Washington College, and an M.A. in International Relations and Economics, with specializations in International Finance and Emerging Markets, from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University.

Ted Hickey
Manager, Data Program

Ted Hickey is a Manager in EMPEA’s Research Department. Ted is responsible for EMPEA’s Data Program and covers Latin America and China for the Research Department.

Ted's previous experience includes data-intensive public policy research projects in the education and healthcare sectors. As an undergraduate, Ted conducted extensive research on exchange rate regime choice in Latin America and the 1964 Sterling Crisis and studied economics at La Universidad de Chile in Santiago. Ted holds a B.A. in International Relations and Economics from the College of Wooster.

Neeraj Borle
Analyst

Neeraj Borle is an Analyst in EMPEA’s Research Department, where he covers India and Southeast Asia, manages EMPEA’s Research Help Desk and supports the development of EMPEA’s suite of publications. Prior to joining EMPEA, Neeraj worked with Global Brigades, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the growth of microenterprises in Panama and Honduras. As an undergraduate, Neeraj conducted research on globalization and the evolution of international political and economic institutions. Neeraj graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in Economics and History in 2011.

Holly Freedman
Director, Marketing and Communications

Holly Freedman is the Director, Marketing and Communications at EMPEA. Holly manages communications with EMPEA Members and industry stakeholders, in addition to overseeing the EMPEA’s technology platforms. Holly's other core responsibilities include strategic development of the association’s long-term growth initiatives and new partnerships. Previously, she worked on the programs and research teams at EMPEA.

Other prior experiences include coordinating educational programs in Maryland for international and learning disabled students, as well as development work with the World Affairs Council of Houston. Holly earned Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française at the Université Paul-Valéry in Montpellier, France and completed the first year of her graduate studies in Bologna, Italy, where she studied economics and international law. Holly graduated cum laude from Rice University with a B.A. in Policy Studies and English. She holds a M.A. (with Distinction) in International Relations and International Economics with a specialization in International Finance from the Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University.

Meaghan Bixby
Manager, Digital Communications

Meaghan Bixby is EMPEA’s Manager, Digital Communications. In this role, she develops strategic technology-based communication and marketing plans that are implemented consistently through a variety of EMPEA’s online platforms, including the organization’s websites, email campaigns and social media outlets.

Meaghan is a seasoned communications professional with experience at non-profit organizations in Washington, D.C. and Raleigh, N.C. After participating in a summer study abroad program in the United Kingdom, she chose to begin her career at a consultancy in London, UK, developing her communication skills while researching investor relations opportunities with FTSE 100 and 250 companies. She holds a B.S. in Communication with a minor in English from Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C.

Carolyn Kolb
Business Analyst

Carolyn Kolb is a Business Analyst at EMPEA, supporting the Marketing and Communications Department in executing EMPEA’s business development activities and resourcing the organization for long-term, sustainable growth. In addition, Carolyn manages advertising in EMPEA’s publication as well as subscription sales.

While an undergraduate at Georgetown University, Carolyn served as a Program Intern for AmericaSpeaks, a non-profit organization promoting citizen engagement. She was also the Communications Director of the Georgetown Pep Band and a member of Phi Alpha Theta, the national honor society for history. Carolyn studied Modern French History and Politics at the Institut d’Études Politiques (IEP) in Lyon, France. Through this experience and others, she has lived and traveled extensively in Europe. Carolyn graduated cum laude from Georgetown University in May 2009 with a B.A. in Government and History and a minor in French.

Aisha Richardson
Executive Assistant to the President & CEO, Office Manager

Aisha Richardson is the Executive Assistant to the President and CEO and Office Manager at EMPEA. With more than 10 years of office administration experience, Aisha provides support to the EMPEA team and its respective Board members, Advisory Council and client members.

Prior to joining EMPEA, Aisha served as the Director of Alumni Relations for the National TRIO Alumni Association founded by the Council for Opportunity in Education headquartered in Washington DC, where she initially served as the Executive Assistant to the President and Founder and later as a Special Assistant to the President for Alumni Relations. Aisha served as an Executive Assistant to a Managing Partner and the DC Alumni Coordinator at the Boston Consulting Group, a global management consulting firm and began her career at the former Lehman Brothers, where she initially developed her business acumen and love for the financial services industry. Aisha graduated from Howard University with a B.A. in Communications and received a M.A. in Nonprofit and Association Management from the University of Maryland University College.

Hong Kong Office

Ruby Poon
Regional Manager - Asia

Ruby Poon is EMPEA's Asia Regional Manager, based in EMPEA's Hong Kong office. In addition to managing EMPEA's day-to-day operations in Asia, Ruby's primary activities include deepening relationships with EMPEA members in Asia, locally coordinating the activities of EMPEA's Asia Council of advisors, and developing new relationships with private equity fund managers, limited partners, service providers and partner organizations in the region.

Prior to joining EMPEA, Ruby was the regional manager for DIFC Global Limited, the subsidiary of the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) that provided financial institutions with incubation infrastructure and advisory service within the DIFC Free Zone in Dubai, Hong Kong and London. Having joined DIFC at the point of inception, Ruby has extensive experience in overseeing the entire spectrum of managing the regional operations of an important global financial institution. She is trilingual, speaking Cantonese, Mandarin and English, and earned an M.B.A. at the University of San Francisco.

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