Leadership

Founder and Executive Director Alice Stollmeyer has a solid background in ‘Science, technology and society’. After her PhD research Alice specialised in EU public affairs, strategic communications and digital advocacy. Alice founded and leads Defend Democracy, working at the cross-section of democracy, security, geopolitics and technology. She is a leading voice on defending democracy in an age of ‘sharp power’ and is a trailblazer for societal resilience to hybrid and technological threats to democracy.

Managing Director Rachel Palma Randle has worked in political advocacy and member-led organisations for the last 20 years. A passionate activist of diversity and inclusion, Rachel is a skilled facilitator who excels in bringing people together, driving activity and building resilient teams. Rachel has worked across the UK, Europe, Africa and Asia providing training and development support to clients on campaign planning, fundraising, messaging and communications.

Team

Senior Advisor Rishi Datta served as the NDI country director for India, Bangladesh and Malawi. He brings two decades of experience throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. He has managed and implemented programs on civil society and electoral assistance. Rishi supports Defend Democracy on strategic matters and organisational development.

Senior Advisor Jonathan Hill has 25 years’ experience in political communications. He was speech-writer to the President of the European Commission, and Chief of Staff to the Commissioner for Education and Culture. Jonathan advises Defend Democracy on communications strategy.

Senior Advisor Chris Kremidas-Courtney is a globally recognised thought leader, futurist, and policy influencer with 34 years’ experience in building consensus and developing policy approaches to protect and support democracy in a fast-changing world. Chris advises Defend Democracy on emerging tech threats and disinformation, as well as training and exercise support.

Senior Advisor Sam Lockwood has over a decade of experience building successful businesses focused on social impact. He has led high-profile projects across Europe and the US, including EU-wide voter engagement campaigns. He is the Founding Director of a leading community organising consultancy and a fundraising platform. Sam will help drive Defend Democracy’s sustainable growth to make a lasting impact.

Advisor Marleen van Leengoed has a solid background in human-centred design and value-sensitive design and is now expanding her focus to align technologies with democratic values. She has over 15 years of experience working in healthcare and high-tech industries. Marleen advises Defend Democracy on ethical and values-based tech design.

Advisor Federica Luciolli has over 10 years of professional experience in the private and non-profit sectors, leading business development efforts from start-ups to multinationals. She has worked on a range of social justice issues; specialising in spearheading collaborations and conducting research to inform strategies. Federica will support Defend Democracy with fundraising and organisational development.

Advisor Suzanne Nam is a lawyer turned journalist who has worked in the US and Asia and is now based in the EU. She uses her legal and communications expertise to support Defend Democracy, and others that focus on social justice, community building and inclusion.

Joris de Graaf has worked several years as a mental health care physician. He has recently shifted his professional focus to citizen participation at both the municipal and national levels. Joris will use his experience to support Defend Democracy’s research and project development.

Anna Bielchenko has worked in diplomacy, international relations and humanitarian support. While originally from Ukraine, she has also studied and worked in Estonia and the Netherlands, which have enriched her understanding of diverse European cultures and societies. Anna will use her experience to support Defend Democracy with research and project development.

Kaloyan Filipov is a policy expert and data scientist specialised in AI and data governance, as well as corruption and illicit influence. Having grown up in Bulgaria and coming of age in the Netherlands, he is concerned with both transitional and consolidated democracies. Kaloyan will support Defend Democracy with policy monitoring and technical expertise.