R4D is not an implementing partner – our partners are doing the implementation; we’re just there to help them get access to the information they need to make the best decisions and take the best actions for the respective countries.”
Katie Shepard is an international development professional with practical experience living and working in developing countries, as well as consulting and conducting research.
As a fellow at R4D, she works on health systems strengthening projects supporting countries in their progress towards universal health coverage, and promoting the use of quality data for decision making. Recently she has worked with partners in Ghana at the National Health Insurance Authority on a claims liability dashboard, tracking for the first time important bookkeeping tasks like outstanding monthly claims from facilities and the length of the processing and reimbursement cycles, so providers are more promptly paid. She has also contributed to work on transparency and accountability, specifically around how these and other governance interventions affect health outcomes.
Prior to joining R4D, Ms. Shepard worked as international program coordinator with Foundation for Sustainable Development in Kakamega, Kenya, where she mentored college students during their internships with local development organizations. Previously she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in rural Lesotho, teaching high school math and physics. She also conducted research in Junín, Peru on the impact of mining pollution on local livelihoods, as well as an analysis of water filtration technologies for a nonprofit based in Nicaragua.
Ms. Shepard holds an MA in international development practice from the University of Minnesota and a BA in mathematics from Grinnell College. She speaks English and Spanish.
