Senior Management

Nick O'Regan

Deputy Director General – Chief Operating Officer

Nick brings over three decades of global experience in sustainable development, disaster response, and recovery. As Deputy Director General -Chief Operating Officer at CDRI, he oversees institutional operations and strategic delivery, drawing from a career managing complex programmes across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

Before joining CDRI, Nick held several senior leadership roles at the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), including Special Advisor to the Executive Director. In his leadership capacities, he championed data-driven approaches to infrastructure development, helping governments plan inclusive, resilient, and sustainable systems through evidence-based strategies. 

Widely respected for spearheading organizational transformations, Nick consistently drives systemic impact and operational excellence. His work blends technical expertise in infrastructure delivery with a steadfast commitment to equity, sustainability, and systems change.

Holding an MBA with a focus on sustainability and leadership, he brings a deep understanding of development impact to his role at CDRI. Nick’s leadership in infrastructure development, risk management, and institutional strengthening is particularly valuable in fragile and disaster-prone environments.

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.