About ODWOpen Data WatchODW_19a48be4-0eb9-11e5-9081-07191ab4f4f1Open Data Watch is a non-profit, non-governmental organization founded by three development data specialists. It monitors progress and provides information and assistance to guide implementation of open data systems. The Open Data Watch team has unparalleled experience in development data management and statistical capacity building in developing countries and is committed to making open data a reality in all countries and development agencies.Shaida BadieeCo-Founder & Managing Director, Open Data Watch -- Shaida brings several decades of experience in managing global development statistics as the long-time Director of the World Bank's Development Data Group. During her tenure, flagship global statistical products were launched such as the World Development Indicators, Global Development Finance, and the Atlas of Global Development. In 2010, she led the World Bank's Open Data Initiative, a ground-breaking program to provide full and free access to the World Bank's extensive statistical databases. Prior to that, she played a key role in the creation and operation of PARIS21 as well as leading international efforts to coordinate technical and financial support for statistics through initiatives like the Marrakech Action Plan.Eric V. SwansonCo-Founder & Managing Director, Open Data Watch -- Eric is a globally recognized economist with a passion for analyzing the most effective ways to use data for development. He was an original member of the Inter-Agency and Expert Group on the Millennium Development Goals. As senior advisor and program manager of the World Bank's Development Data Group, he was in charge of World Development Indicators and Global Monitoring, was managing editor of the World Development Indicators and Atlas of Global Development, and managed production of the Bank's principal statistical databases. As a member of the senior management team, he was an expert representative on numerous high-level international committees and taskforces. Misha V. BelkindasCo-Founder & Managing Director, Open Data Watch -- Misha is an expert in practical and operational statistical capacity building, both internationally and with national governments. For many years, he was responsible for the World Bank's lending programs for statistical capacity building and for the partnership programs with national statistical offices. As a manager in the World Bank's Development Data Group, he led the work on International Statistical Programs, was program manager for STATCAP, managed the Trust Fund for Statistical Capacity Building, supervised the Global Office of the International Comparison Program, and represented the Bank in many statistical forums.Zach ChristensenResearch Associate -- ​Zach has several years of experience conducting research on international development and transparency, contributing to major research projects on transparency in foreign aid, accountability for non-governmental organizations, international finance, education, and emerging aid donors. He has worked on such issues in Kosovo, Haiti, Uganda, the UK, and the US. He recently received an MA in Politics from Princeton University.Reza FarivariInformation Systems -- Reza is the IT guru at ODW, having headed Information Services and Systems in the Development Data Group of the World Bank for 10 years. While there he oversaw development of the largest set of systems products for Open Data and Open Data communications. He has been developing systems for managing and disseminating statistical data and metadata for over 35 years. Before World Bank, he operated the Computer Center at the School of Engineering at George Washington University. Martin GetzendannerMedia & Communications -- Martin coordinates public information and communications at ODW. He has worked in several international agencies, as a business information solutions manager at World Bank, climate change information manager at UNEP, chief of information for the WHO Western Pacific Region, chief of information management at UNICEF European Headquarters, and correspondent for NBC News at the UN in Geneva.Amelia PittmanResearch Assistant -- ​Amelia conducts research on open data at ODW. She specializes in transparency, aid effectiveness, and global health research. Prior to working for ODW, she served as the open aid team leader at Innovations for Peace and Development. She has also worked as a consultant for the Bureau for Global Health at USAID. She has recently received a Master’s in Global Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Austin​Alexandria ScottAdministration -- Alexandria handles administrative duties at ODW. Having worked most of her career in non-profits, she has notable experience in program management and fundraising, including in areas such as child food insecurity, intimate partner violence and domestic abuse, youth services and education. Alex has a BA from Brigham Young University in Political Science. Morgan SmithResearch Assistant -- ​​​Morgan conducts research on open data at ODW. A recent honors graduate in Economics and Political Science at George Washington University, Morgan did research there focusing on the Mexican Diaspora in the United States. She has worked for multiple start-ups, including Bisnow in Washington DC and BYC in Barcelona, doing marketing and data analysis. In Argentina, Morgan interned at the Canadian Embassy where she worked on local projects promoting political transparency and open data.Viviana ZallesIntern, Research -- Vivi is learning about the challenges of Open Data while helping with in-depth research on various timely topics at ODW. She is a student at the University of Maryland, majoring in Environmental Science and Agriculture. Development through innovation is her passion.ODW FundersThe work of Open Data Watch is primarily funded by its founders, with much appreciated voluntary contributions of time and expertise by staff and advisors. Additional funding for 2015-2016 includes a grant from the UN Foundation for work with Data2x​ on gender data and a grant for general operating support from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.​UN FoundationThe William and Flora Hewlett Foundation_19a48cf2-0eb9-11e5-9081-07191ab4f4f1_19a48da6-0eb9-11e5-9081-07191ab4f4f1Open Data SystemsMonitor progress and provide information and assistance to guide implementation of open data systems._19a48e5a-0eb9-11e5-9081-07191ab4f4f1_19a48f40-0eb9-11e5-9081-07191ab4f4f12015-06-09http://www.opendatawatch.com/about-usOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net