Michèle Laird, M.P.A.
Regional Vice President, International Development, Abt Associates

• Michèle Laird has 30 years of experience working together with the private sector and public sector to advance sustainable development goals. As a Regional Vice President at Abt Associates, she provides strategic direction and oversight for Abt’s International Development operations in Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Eastern Asia, Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Caribbean. An interdisciplinary expert, whose background includes investment banking and venture capital experience, Ms. Laird advises clients worldwide on inclusive and resilient growth, planning and funding. Her combination of experience and expertise in climate change adaptation and mitigation analysis and investment mobilization allows Ms. Laird to effectively advise communities, government counterparts, and the private sector on developing and implementing climate change action plans and on strategies to overcome key barriers to private sector investment in adaptation and resilience. Prior to joining Abt Associates, Ms. Laird directed the American Chamber of Commerce/Mexico’s Economic Services Department. While on Wall Street, Ms. Laird worked both in mergers & acquisitions and in corporate finance. Ms. Laird has extensive experience implementing projects across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Middle East and Eastern Europe. She holds an ScB in Computer Science from Brown University, an MPAff from the LBJ School of Public Affairs/University of Texas at Austin and is an FS-UNEP Certified Expert in Climate and Renewable Energy Finance.

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