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Amplio Welcomes Four New Board Members in 2022

Writer's picture: AmplioAmplio

Updated: Aug 19, 2022



Amplio's new board members hail from Kenya, Peru, California, and Washington, DC — and bring expertise in global health, science and technology, law, and social sector development


Amplio recently welcomed four new members to our board of directors. We think it's a reason to celebrate and are excited to introduce them.


“We’re honored to welcome a highly accomplished and diverse group of leaders,” said Amplio founder and executive director Cliff Schmidt. “They bring a wealth of experience and perspective in international development, global health, law, and technology and innovation. Plus, they share a passion for finding ways to improve the world."


Our new board appointees include:


Livia Benavides is a development specialist who led social sector programs and operations for the World Bank for 25 years. Prior to her retirement, Livia was Program Leader for Human Development in the Andean Region. She oversaw a portfolio of operations, encompassing programs in health, social protection, labor, science, and technology. Before joining the World Bank, Liva worked for the Pan-American Center for Sanitary and Environmental Engineering as an environmental health specialist. She has published and presented on a range of topics, including economics, health, education, and environmental issues.


Ann Ford is an attorney and executive director of clients and sectors for DLA Piper, an international law firm. She practices in the areas of US and international trademark and copyright law, including laws governing the use and protection of intellectual property on the Internet. Ann has won many accolades for her work. Chambers and Partners included her in its Tier #1 ranking as one of America's leading lawyers for intellectual property. The Washington Business Journal named her to its shortlist of Top Washington Lawyers in the intellectual property category. She made Amtrack's Arrive magazine's list of Top Women Lawyers in the Northeast. She is recognized for her pragmatism, candor, and sense of humor.


Steven Larky retired in 2021 after more than 30 years in the semiconductor industry to have more time for volunteer activities and angel investing. He serves on the board of Free To Thrive, a non-profit advocating for human trafficking survivors. A member of NuFund Venture Group, he has co-led due diligence on multiple companies. His many volunteer roles for MIT include educational counselor, MIT Club of San Diego president, and MIT Annual Giving board chair. He has been recognized with MIT's Henry B. Kane ’24 Award for exceptional accomplishments in fundraising. An avid cyclist for both fun and fundraising, Steven participates in NPF Cycle rides and Padres Pedal rides for Curebound. He has 41 issued US patents!


Dr. Sylvia Omulo is an assistant professor at the Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University. She has extensive experience in the field of infectious diseases and public health. Currently, Sylvia runs the Antimicrobial Resistance in Communities and Hospitals research project in Kenya, which focuses on identifying the risk factors for antibiotic-resistance carriage in community and hospital settings, determining the possible trafficking of genetic material between resistant bacteria in these settings, and how animals contribute to these processes. She has helped establish diagnostic capacity for outbreak response in many African countries, including Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria.


Connect with Amplio board members


Board members help guide Amplio's strategic direction, effectiveness, and financial well-being. They also serve as advocates and champions for our mission.


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