Knowledge Translation Foundation Board
Professor Iraj Abedian
Board Chair
Professor Iraj Abedian is an esteemed economist and strategist whose work has shaped national policy, organisational reform, and long-term development thinking across Africa and globally. Over his career, he has advised governments, development institutions, and leading private-sector organisations on economic strategy, fiscal sustainability, social investment, and inclusive growth. He is known for his principled leadership, depth of analysis, and unwavering commitment to the public good.
Professor Abedian has founded and led influential economic advisory institutions, championing evidence-informed policy, ethical decision-making, and accountable governance. His work spans national development strategy, macroeconomic planning, institutional transformation, and the intersection between social wellbeing and economic resilience. As a public thinker and commentator, he brings clarity to complex issues, grounding them in the lived realities of communities and the long-term needs of society.
As Chair of the Board, Professor Abedian provides strong strategic guidance and values-driven oversight. His leadership is rooted in transparency, integrity, and social impact, strengthening the organisation’s ability to navigate complexity while remaining steadfast in its mission. He brings a combination of governance excellence, systems thinking, and ethical stewardship that supports sustainable, forward-looking organisational growth.
Dr Heather Sherwin
Non Executive Board Member
Dr Heather Sherwin is a seasoned impact investment leader committed to strengthening health systems and advancing sustainable, equitable development. She brings extensive experience in guiding high-impact initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes and expanding access to essential services, particularly in underserved communities.
Her career includes leadership roles in investment management and life-science venture capital, where she has supported the growth of innovative healthcare organisations and early-stage technologies designed to improve access, quality, and system performance. Dr Sherwin is known for blending strategic insight with strong ethical judgement, contributing robust governance, oversight of funding, and a deep commitment to accountability and responsible practice.
With a professional foundation that spans science, business, and development economics, Dr Sherwin offers a unique perspective on how innovation, evidence, sound governance, and strategic partnerships work together to build resilient health systems. She brings a strong analytical lens, sector expertise, and a dedication to sustainable, mission-aligned impact.
Tshidi Tlale-Malao
Non Executive Board Member
Tshidi Tlale-Malao is a respected leader in organisational development, transformation, and executive coaching. As Managing Director of TTM Consulting, she has led extensive work in organisational culture, transformation, change management, and community development, helping organisations evolve in ways that are inclusive, conscious, and sustainable.
With more than two decades as an entrepreneur in coaching and management consulting, Tshidi is recognised for her ability to create reflective, supportive spaces that enable genuine dialogue, learning, and behavioural transformation. Her work spans diversity and inclusion, leadership development, change processes, and relationship-building, and she is valued for her deep insight into how people and teams shift towards more purposeful and effective ways of working.
Her coaching practice is grounded in ontological principles, helping leaders strengthen self-awareness, build healthier relationships, and cultivate leadership approaches that support both personal and organisational thriving. Tshidi’s work is driven by a commitment to meaningful, ethical, and sustainable growth across people and systems, bringing a powerful human-centred lens to the board.
