Staff
IAMFI relies on in-house and outsourced staff to manage its activities. IAMFI contracts Kellen Company, an association management firm, for its marketing, accounting, and webpage assistance. In addition, IAMFI employs two consultants, an Advisor for Research and Analysis and another for Member Development.
Joan Trant
Executive Director
Tala Akhavan
Program Associate
Kyle Cooke
Program Associate
JOAN TRANT
Executive DirectorInternational Association of Microfinance Investors
Joan Trant is Executive Director of the International Association of Microfinance Investors (IAMFI), a global membership organization that helps commercially oriented microfinance investors deploy capital more effectively to achieve financial and social returns. Joan’s responsibilities encompass recruiting and serving Association members, managing day-to-day operations, overseeing research, developing educational and networking events and convening industry leaders to shape best practices.
Previously, Joan was Deputy Executive Director of The Resource Foundation for nine years, supporting the community-building programs of 120 nonprofit organizations in 20 Latin American countries, and benefiting annually 4.6 million underserved children, youths, women and men.
Prior to The Resource Foundation, Joan held sales and operations management positions in the financial services industry at Bankers Trust and Citibank.
Joan is a graduate of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business Executive Level Nonprofit Management Certification Program. She holds a bachelors degree from Georgetown University. Joan is based in New York City.
TALA AKHAVAN
Program Associate
International Association of Microfinance Investors
Tala Akhavan is currently a junior studying Sustainable Development and Business
Management at Columbia University, After receiving her bachelor's degrees, she hopes to
pursue graduate studies in International Development and Business. At Columbia, Tala
is an editor for the campus newspaper, a representative on the Columbia College Student
Council, and teaches GED courses for adults seeking high school diplomas. She is based in
New York City.
KYLE COOKE
Program Associate
International Association of Microfinance Investors
Kyle Cooke is currently a senior studying Economics and Political Science at Columbia
University. After finishing his bachelor’s degree, he plans on pursuing graduate studies in
International Affairs. In addition, Kyle runs NCAA Division 1 cross country and track and
field for the Lions. He is based in New York City.
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