Steering Committee
Rick Smith, Co-Chair
Rick Smith has been President of the Canadian Climate Institute, Canada’s largest climate change research organization, since 2021. Throughout his twenty-five year career, Rick has held senior roles in many of Canada’s most important policy organizations. He holds a Ph.D. in biology, has authored two best-selling books on the human health effects of pollution, and was recently Executive Producer of an award-winning documentary focused on microplastics in the human body. He is based in Toronto.
Dumisani Nxumalo, Co-Chair
Dumisani Nxumalo is the Acting Chief Operating Officer of the South African Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), overseeing its operations and strategy. He has been instrumental in donor coordination, climate finance, innovation, and adaptation and previously served as Acting Secretary. One of the longest-serving members of the ICCN Steering Committee, he has contributed to international climate cooperation. Before joining the PCC, he worked with South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs (now DFFE), the World Resources Institute, and GIZ. He holds a National Diploma in Environmental Sciences from Tshwane University of Technology and a degree in Sustainability from Stellenbosch University.
Sophie Vipond
Sophie is the Director of External Affairs at the Climate Change Committee (CCC). She is a communications and engagement specialist with extensive knowledge of global climate policy and is experienced operating in international politics, business, and government. Sophie has led the communications strategy for the publication of the Seventh Carbon Budget, and for the upcoming Well Adapted UK report. Sophie co-chairs the ICCN’s Communications Working Group and provides mentoring at I Have a Voice, a charity helping young people from backgrounds under-represented in public affairs, policy research and corporate communications roles find their way into employment.
Jeppe Wohlert
Jeppe Wohlert is Head of International Action in the secretariat of the Danish Council on Climate Change, the independent body of experts tasked with advising the Danish Government on climate policy. He has spent most of his career working on public policy for the development and diffusion of technology focusing on the Danish wind turbine industry. Jeppe holds a dual MA degree in Political Science from the University of Copenhagen and the New School.
Secretariat
Ben Rhodes
Head of Secretariat
Ben leads the ICCN Secretariat team, which aims to build capacity amongst our members, raise their profile internationally, and improve climate governance by strengthening the network. He is also the focal point for European councils. Before joining E3G, Ben worked as a British civil servant for 18 years in a wide range of roles, most recently in the International Climate Finance team leading on capacity building programmes.
Tessa Vincent
Capacity Building Manager
Tessa facilitates knowledge-exchange and strengthening capacity among ICCN members on mitigation and adaptation. Tessa is also the focal point for the Latin America and Asia-Pacific regions. Tessa has a Law and Politics background and has worked for Judges and Members of Parliament in Aotearoa, New Zealand. She has experience in facilitating networks through the Race to Zero campaign led by the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions and the Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance.
Izzy Page
Secretariat and Engagement Manager
Izzy leads events and communications at ICCN, as well as supporting Secretariat management. She is the regional lead for Africa and North America. Izzy previously managed climate-focused partnerships at The Conduit. She has an MSc in Nature, Society and Environmental Governance from the University of Oxford’s School of Geography and the Environment, where she conducted her dissertation research on Scottish energy workers’ lived experiences of energy transition.
Raisa Cole
Africa Regional Lead
Raisa is an environmental governance expert with over 11 years of experience in climate policy and research. She has worked with international organisations such as GIZ, the World Food Programme, IFAD, and others to link local realities to global decision-making platforms. She considers herself an intersectional environmental feminist and is committed to integrating social justice issues into environmental agendas. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science Degree from the University of Cape Town and an MSc in International Cooperation and Urban Planning from the University Pierre Mendes, France.