WASHINGTON, D.C. — Results for Development (R4D) announced today that its Global Board of Directors has elected Mariam Claeson as board chair. Mariam, who has served on R4D’s board since 2020, brings decades of distinguished leadership in global health to the role.
A physician, researcher, and public health expert, Mariam has held prominent positions at several leading global development organizations. She currently serves as Senior Advisor on the Political Economy of Adolescent Mental Health at the Global Public Health Department, Karolinska Institute. Previously, she served as the director of the Global Financing Facility for Every Woman Every Child at the World Bank, and as director of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health team at the Gates Foundation.
“R4D is working at the frontier of analysis, problem-solving, co-creation, and innovation at scale — with measurable results as the benchmark. I have been impressed with R4D’s ability to support country leaders in navigating the changing development landscape. It’s a privilege to serve as the chair of the Global Board of Directors for R4D, and I look forward to continuing learning with the organization,” said Mariam Claeson.
Mariam succeeds David de Ferranti, who has served as board chair for the past decade. David launched R4D in 2008 and served as its founding CEO until 2016. He will remain a member of the Global Board of Directors.
“Mariam is a terrific choice — she steps into this role with a thorough understanding of the institution and deep commitment to its mission,” said David de Ferranti, outgoing board chair and founding CEO of R4D.
Mariam assumes the role at a pivotal moment for R4D and for global development. As traditional aid structures shift, R4D is doubling down on what it does best — working nimbly and cost-effectively alongside country leaders to build strong, enduring systems long after aid recedes.
“Mariam’s deep understanding of what it takes to build strong country systems and her knowledge of the rapidly changing global development architecture will serve us so well. We are delighted to welcome her in this new role and extremely grateful to David for his strong support as our previous board chair,” said Gina Lagomarsino, president and CEO of R4D.
