Abt Global Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Abt Global has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, and technical innovation.

Dedicated to solving complex social challenges through rigorous research, Abt Global empowers vulnerable populations by transforming data into actionable solutions that improve health, economic security, and environmental resilience across global markets.

Leadership Roles at Abt Global

  • Chief Executive Officer - Lincoln Cousins
  • Executive Business Partner To President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer - Benny Pittman
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Kathleen Flanagan
  • Chief Financial Officer - Leonard Hicks
  • Domestic Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Janelle Poldy
  • Finance Analyst & Group Chief Financial Officer - Kabul Allakhunov
  • Deputy Chief of Party, (President's Malaria Initiative and VectorLink and Zambia) - Brian Chirwa
  • President - David Abt
  • President - Adam Turner
  • Chief Technology Officer - Donald White
  • Lincoln Cousins - Chief Executive Officer

    Lincoln Cousins, the Chief Executive Officer at Abt Global, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. By prioritizing cutting-edge research, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all social impact initiatives align with the core mission of moving populations from vulnerability to security. Lincoln Cousins manages high-level stakeholder relationships and coordinates with the board to maintain fiscal health. This leadership role involves overseeing the integration of diverse research disciplines to address pressing global issues like HIV and AIDS or environmental instability. By fostering a culture of curiosity and caring, the Chief Executive Officer drives the firm toward sustainable growth. The executive maintains a focus on long-term organizational stability while navigating complex international regulatory landscapes. Through this commitment to excellence, the firm continues to expand its footprint in the global research sector.

    Benny Pittman - Executive Business Partner To President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

    Benny Pittman, the Executive Business Partner To President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Abt Global, facilitates seamless communication between the highest levels of leadership. This role involves synchronizing strategic objectives across the executive suite to ensure operational efficiency. Benny Pittman manages complex administrative workflows that support the President and the Chief Financial Officer in their daily decision-making processes. By streamlining internal reporting structures, the Executive Business Partner To President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer optimizes the flow of critical information required for high-stakes project management. This position requires deep understanding of the firm's research-driven business model to provide actionable insights during executive meetings. Through meticulous coordination, the executive ensures that leadership remains focused on the primary goal of delivering social impact across diverse sectors like agriculture and welfare.

    Kathleen Flanagan - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Kathleen Flanagan, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Abt Global, architects the operational framework that supports the firm's extensive research portfolio. By overseeing the execution of large-scale social impact projects, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of evidence-based policy development. Kathleen Flanagan drives the integration of technical expertise with field-level implementation to address weather disasters and economic instability. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the executive team to refine the firm's market position. By championing innovation in research methodologies, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the firm's reputation as a leader in the global development space. The executive maintains a rigorous focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every project delivers measurable improvements in human security and well-being across diverse international regions.

    Leonard Hicks - Chief Financial Officer

    Leonard Hicks, the Chief Financial Officer at Abt Global, manages the financial health and fiscal strategy of the organization. By overseeing capital allocation and budgeting for complex research projects, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources are directed toward the most impactful social initiatives. Leonard Hicks monitors global economic trends to mitigate risks associated with international operations. This leadership role involves providing the board with transparent financial reporting and long-term growth projections. By optimizing the firm's financial infrastructure, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of research capabilities in agriculture and environmental science. The executive maintains strict compliance with international financial standards while fostering a culture of fiscal responsibility. Through these efforts, the firm sustains the necessary funding to address the world's most pressing issues with precision and reliability.
    Leonard Hicks

    Janelle Poldy - Domestic Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Janelle Poldy, the Domestic Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Abt Global, manages the financial operations specifically within the North American market. By overseeing domestic budget planning and resource allocation, the Domestic Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that local research initiatives receive the necessary funding to succeed. Janelle Poldy coordinates with the broader executive team to align domestic financial performance with the firm's global objectives. This leadership role involves monitoring regional economic shifts and adjusting financial strategies to maintain stability. By optimizing internal processes, the Domestic Vice President & Chief Financial Officer supports the firm's mission to address domestic welfare and environmental issues. The executive maintains a focus on operational efficiency, ensuring that domestic projects remain profitable while delivering significant social impact. Through these efforts, the firm strengthens its presence and influence across the region.
    Janelle Poldy

    Kabul Allakhunov - Finance Analyst & Group Chief Financial Officer

    Kabul Allakhunov, the Finance Analyst & Group Chief Financial Officer at Abt Global, executes complex financial modeling and group-wide fiscal oversight. By analyzing performance metrics across various business units, the Finance Analyst & Group Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for cost optimization and revenue growth. Kabul Allakhunov provides the executive team with granular data that informs strategic decision-making regarding international expansion. This leadership role involves managing the financial health of diverse groups within the organization to ensure consistent performance. By maintaining rigorous standards for financial reporting, the Finance Analyst & Group Chief Financial Officer supports the firm's commitment to transparency and accountability. The executive drives the development of financial strategies that allow the firm to tackle large-scale global issues effectively. Through these analytical contributions, the organization maintains the financial agility required to respond to emerging social and economic challenges.
    Brian Chirwa, the Deputy Chief of Party, (President's Malaria Initiative and VectorLink and Zambia) at Abt Global, directs field operations focused on malaria prevention and vector control. By overseeing the implementation of health initiatives in Zambia, the Deputy Chief of Party, (President's Malaria Initiative and VectorLink and Zambia) ensures that research-backed strategies reach vulnerable populations. Brian Chirwa manages local partnerships and coordinates with international health organizations to maximize the impact of vector control programs. This leadership role involves monitoring project outcomes and adjusting field tactics to improve health security. By driving operational success in the field, the executive supports the firm's broader mission of addressing global health crises. The executive maintains a focus on community engagement and sustainable health outcomes, ensuring that the firm's interventions provide long-term benefits to the region. Through these efforts, the firm achieves significant progress in disease eradication.

    David Abt - President

    David Abt, the President at Abt Global, leads the strategic development of the firm's research and consulting services. By overseeing the expansion of the firm's service offerings, the President ensures that the organization remains a leader in addressing complex social issues. David Abt manages the alignment of business development goals with the firm's core mission of social impact. This leadership role involves fostering relationships with key clients and partners to drive growth in new markets. By championing a culture of innovation, the President supports the development of new research methodologies that address emerging global challenges. The executive maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that the firm continues to provide high-quality solutions to its diverse client base. Through these strategic efforts, the organization strengthens its market position and continues to deliver meaningful results in the fields of economics and public policy.

    Adam Turner - President

    Adam Turner, the President at Abt Global, directs the operational execution of the firm's diverse research portfolio. By overseeing the management of large-scale projects, the President ensures that the organization delivers high-quality results that meet the needs of clients and stakeholders. Adam Turner coordinates with the executive team to refine the firm's operational processes and improve efficiency across all departments. This leadership role involves managing the firm's internal resources to support the successful delivery of social impact initiatives. By fostering a collaborative environment, the President drives the integration of research and implementation strategies. The executive maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the firm remains agile and responsive to the world's most pressing issues. Through these efforts, the organization continues to expand its influence and deliver impactful solutions that improve lives and promote security across global communities.

    Donald White - Chief Technology Officer

    Donald White, the Chief Technology Officer at Abt Global, directs the digital transformation and technical infrastructure of the firm. By architecting scalable data systems, the Chief Technology Officer enables researchers to process complex information regarding welfare and public health more efficiently. Donald White oversees the implementation of advanced analytical tools that support the firm's cutting-edge research mission. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to integrate technology into every aspect of the business model. By securing the firm's digital assets, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that sensitive data remains protected during international operations. The executive drives innovation by exploring new technological frontiers that enhance the firm's ability to address global challenges. Through these technical advancements, the organization maintains a competitive edge in delivering high-quality research and data-driven solutions to clients worldwide.
    Donald White

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Abt Global Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Abt Global?
    Abt Global is led by Lincoln Cousins (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Benny Pittman (Executive Business Partner To President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) and Kathleen Flanagan (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Abt Global’s executive team?
    The executive team of Abt Global includes leaders such as Lincoln Cousins (Chief Executive Officer), Benny Pittman (Executive Business Partner To President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer), Kathleen Flanagan (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Abt Global have?
    Abt Global has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Abt Global’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Abt Global includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Business Partner To President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Domestic Vice President & Chief Financial Officer.