Linda Edwards – Chief Executive
As Chief Executive at Working Animals International, Linda leads our vital work to transform the lives of working animals who support the world’s poorest communities. A distinguished leader who has successfully worked across the animal welfare, international development, humanitarian and commercial sectors, Linda has previously worked as Chief Executive of the charities United Purpose and Build Africa. She has also served as Executive Director of Operations at The Donkey Sanctuary.
Linda has lived and worked overseas extensively, from Africa, Asia and Australasia to Central and South America, Europe and the Middle East. After serving as Marie Stopes International’s Country Director in Malawi, she moved to Australia to cover the organisation’s work across the Pacific Asia region. Linda has also led international programmes as Country Director for Merlin and the Danish Refugee Council, based in Sudan, DR Congo and Iraq. As a keen animal lover, Linda is deeply committed to SPANA’s work and values.
Gita Patel – Director of Global Resources
A qualified accounting professional, Gita has extensive experience in global resources management, having spent nearly three decades at the international development charity Practical Action. Gita has also worked as a consultant and served as Interim Director of Finance and Services at International Commission on Missing Persons and HelpAge International before joining Working Animals International. As our Director of Global Resources, Gita is responsible for Working Animals International’s Finance, HR, IT, Facilities, Legal and International Governance, and will lead on developing our resources management to build support for our global workforce.
Katie Crane – Director of Global Marketing, Communication & Advocacy
As Director of Global Marketing, Communications & Advocacy, Katie leads Working Animals International’s global work to grow awareness, engagement and support for working animals through bold communications, compelling storytelling and strategic advocacy. She oversees the charity’s marketing, brand and digital activity across multiple countries, helping to build Working Animals International’s profile and global voice.
A CIM-qualified professional, Katie brings extensive experience in marketing, communications and digital engagement, having held senior roles across the charity and publishing sectors. She’s passionate about using storytelling to inspire action and championing causes that protect animals and the environment.
Rebekah Sullivan – Director of Global Animal Health & Welfare
Rebekah brings a wealth of veterinary experience to lead the Animal Health & Welfare Directorate, having qualified as a vet in 2005 and worked in mixed practice (farm animals, small animals and equines) in the UK and overseas. Rebekah also has previous animal welfare charity experience as a clinical vet, in teaching, research, developing welfare assessment tools, managing the medicine and laboratory caseload, and as an international veterinary advisor. She has completed post-graduate study in equine internal medicine and has written for several scientific journals and presented at conferences on both donkey medicine and One Health topics.
Rebekah holds an MSc in One Health and is very passionate about exploring opportunities for collaborative health and welfare care across human, animal and environmental spheres.
Emma Williams – Director of Income Generation
As Director of Income Generation, Emma is responsible for inspiring and engaging partners and individuals to support Working Animals International’s global work through donations, grants, lotteries, and sponsorship.
Emma has 20 years’ worth of experience in supporter engagement, events, fundraising and marketing and has been a senior leader for over 10 years including in the international development and equine sectors. Emma cares deeply about the welfare of all animals and has a lifelong love for horses, ponies and donkeys.
Looking for more information about the incredible people who work for Working Animals International? Meet our trustees, or if you’re interested in working for Working Animals International yourself, see our current vacancies.