Pyxera Global announced the appointment of four new members to our board of directors: Kate Ahern, Allan Hackney, Jigna Shah, and Guy Smith. With the earlier announced unification of Pyxera Global and Common Impact, the appointment of these leaders is especially timely. They will provide to the combined entity their valuable insights into ESG practices, corporate leadership, technology, and law, in the United States and globally.
“I am delighted to welcome these exceptional additions to our Board of Directors,” said Deirdre White, CEO of Pyxera Global. “Their diverse perspectives and expertise will be invaluable as we navigate the volatility of today, all while expanding our work around the world to create sustainable, equitable, and resilient solutions for addressing pressing global challenges.”
Kate Ahern is an executive with 20 years of experience mobilizing the private sector for good. She is an effective leader who drives innovation in corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, sustainability, philanthropy, and impact investing. Kate’s career has spanned global markets, where she has launched and managed ESG strategies, led complex social impact initiatives, and nurtured productive partnerships that benefit companies, communities, and the planet.
Allan Hackney is a leader of technology-enabled businesses characterized by large-scale, multi-product, multi-channel, and multi-geography product and service delivery in regulated business environments. Within these environments, his specialty has been to step into IT and Operations roles that were created for the first time or required repairs to distressed client, business, or public relationships.
Jigna Shah is a seasoned senior technology executive who specializes in driving growth and transformation of technology-based businesses. She has led major initiatives across areas like digital transformation, sales operations, product strategy, IT systems, data, and AI. Jigna serves as an advisor to multiple, early-stage AI startups, where she advises under-represented founders on building innovative products that make the world more efficient, equitable, secure, and productive.
Guy Smith is a senior partner in the Minneapolis, Minnesota office of Stinson LLP, an AmLaw 200 law firm. Guy has been practicing law for over 35 years and is an experienced corporate and transactional attorney with a strong focus on the energy industry. He routinely advises clients on international trade regulatory matters Guy is the leader of the firm’s Renewable Energy and Energy Transactions practice group and the firm’s International practice group.
“The light, energy, and dedication of people like Mona, Nick, and Ashraf are what make this organization so extraordinary,” added White. “ “Together with the entire Board of Directors, I have no doubt that will each play a key role as we advance Pyxera Global’s mission during these unprecedented time.”
All four new directors will serve initial terms through December 31, 2029.
They join board members Guillermo Areas, Peg Willingham, Isabel Hill, Ladan Manteghi, James Calvin, Tim Prewitt, Jennifer Parker, Ian Cornell, Ashraf Shihabi, Nick Patnaik, and CEO Deirdre White.
