The Branch Foundation

Iona Proebst- Executive Director/Founder
Iona Proebst has a degree in Social Anthropology, a post graduate diploma in International Development Studies and a background and passion for humanitarian work and community development. Moved by the adversity, compassion and smiling faces of the children on the Thai-Burma border, Iona Proebst returned to New Zealand in 2006 to found The Branch Foundation with the focus of sustainable community development in South-East Asia. Since then, Iona has seen the foundation grow and remains committed to working directly in partnership with grassroots communities promoting self-reliance, empowerment and positive change.
Tom Rosen- Project Manager
Over the last few years, Tom’s involvement in humanitarian issues in South-East Asia has grown. Having always had a keen interest in other cultures and the belief that everyone deserves access to basic human rights, Tom left London to pursue working in the area of aid and development in the region. He hopes that with his knowledge of the issues and the determination to make a difference that he can contribute as much as possible to The Branch Foundation.
Brigitte Lorenz- New Zealand Coordinator
Brigitte is currently working part-time for The Branch Foundation helping coordinating activities in New Zealand. She is also a counsellor and relationship Therapist in Auckland and has a deep interest and concern for all humanitarian issues. From a young age Brigitte wanted to be involved in the developmental/humanitarian field – now finally she can make her dream come true through her work with The Branch Foundation.
Annabel Harrison- Accounts Advisor
Annabel has many strings to her bow. She is a co-founder Dancer and Choreographer for BackLit Productions Contemporary Dance Company. She is also a self-employed violin teacher of the Suzuki Method, with 50+ students in Auckland, and has been a popular quest tutor at numerous music workshops and camps throughout New Zealand. Annabel has always had an interest in humanitarian needs, and is committed to improving the quality of life of children from all walks of life.
Gareth Mace- Project Coordinator
Gareth is currently based in Cambodia after having previously undertaken development work in Morocco and Bolivia prior to graduating with a Masters in International Development from the University of Birmingham. Committed to global justice and passionate about rights-based development, he is currently working as our Project Coordinator and seeking new ways to grow the Foundation.
Marion Bizé- Fundraising/Advocacy Coordinator (Europe)
After six years working for a consultancy firm as a Research and Evaluation specialist in the public health and development fields, Marion got a chance to interact with many communities worldwide. She led extensive research projects for disease control and education in low-resource countries. After traveling in South-East Asia, she decided to shift to a freelance position so she could devote more of her time volunteering for charity projects in the region. She strongly believes in The Branch Foundation’s ethos and it’s dedication to sustainability.

The Branch Foundation’s Board of Trustees 
Iona Proebst
Brigitte Lorenz
Annabel Harrison