After earning a PhD in Social and Clinical Psychology from Clark University, Charlie became Director of Behavioral Medicine for The California School of Professional Psychology, Fresno (CSPP-F), where he was a full-time professor and founder of a teaching clinic for treating anxiety & stress disorders. He was recruited to The Men’s Wearhouse where he became head of human resources, stores, and marketing and ultimately President. He stepped down in order to fulfill his long-standing desire to work directly on social and economic issues.

In 2013, Charlie became volunteer Executive Director of The Life You Can Save, a non-profit dedicated to reducing extreme poverty and its devastating effects on over 700 million people globally. Through his financial support and leadership, Charlie has helped TLYCS’s Founder, Peter Singer, develop the organization from the ground up.

Charlie lives in Washington State with his wife Diana, a family physician, who partners in supporting The Life You Can Save. He welcomes discussion and questions at charlie@thelifeyoucansave.org.

Rickard Vikstrom was the Executive Director of The Life You Can Save from 2021-2023, and is now a Board Member of The Life You Can Save Australia.

Rickard’s journey with The Life You Can Save commenced back in 2009 when — while working as Fundraising Manager at UNICEF Australia — he was introduced to Peter Singer’s then newly-released book The Life You Can Save. The book, with its thought-provoking ideas, well-structured arguments and tangible examples, quickly became Rickard’s go-to tool for inspiring people to help end extreme poverty. Nine years later, he officially joined The Life You Can Save as a volunteer but quickly transitioned into a full-time staff position, leading the organization’s work on fundraising and partnerships. He was promoted to Managing Director in 2020 and to Executive Director in 2021.

Rickard holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Technology Sydney. His work experience spans global organizations and includes roles with the United Nations in Switzerland, India and Thailand as well as consulting assignments for a number of well-regarded nonprofits in Australia including The Fred Hollows Foundation, The Heart Research Institute and Canteen.

Rickard is a citizen of Sweden and Australia and is currently based in Sydney.

Katie Stanford is the Research & Business Intelligence Manager at The Life You Can Save. Prior to joining the team Katie has worked in the public health field and with child-serving nonprofits for two decades. Her recent work has focused on analyzing data to understand the diverse factors impacting community health, supporting policy, systems and environmental change to improve equity, and implementing programs to strengthen public health and wellbeing. She holds a master of science degree in data analytics. Katie lives in Washington State with her spouse and two children and – beyond contributing to a more just and compassionate world – enjoys yoga, keeps running, loves the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and thrives on social connection.

Dan Pallesen, PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist and a certified financial planner. He serves as the Chief of Investor Behavior at Keystone Wealth Partners in Chandler, Arizona.

Dan has had the privilege to offer psychological treatment and assessment in various settings including a community counseling center, private practice, U.S. military health clinics, and even federal prisons. Dan’s clinical approach is grounded in the field of Positive Psychology with a focus on identifying strengths and increasing clarity of purpose in people’s lives.

In 2018, Dan brought his approach to the world of finance. He is passionate about helping people connect their values with their financial behaviors. Much of Dan’s focus is centered on mapping out gifting strategies with the individuals and families he serves.

Dan lives in Gilbert, Arizona with his wife and two young sons.

Louise is a proud South Australian who was awarded a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology major) in the 1990s from the University of Adelaide. On graduating, she furthered her career in the highly competitive financial services sector for 17 years in Sydney and Melbourne, completing a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning and a Master of Business Administration through Melbourne Business School during that time. She acquired extensive experience in account management and business development across retail banking, institutional stockbroking, funds management and superannuation, and consulted to some of Australia’s largest financial institutions. After returning to Adelaide, Louise ran her own financial planning business, while volunteering for a political party to influence legislative change to further animal rights.

Louise joins The Life You Can Save after being influenced by Peter Singer’s work while at university, where she minored in philosophy and ethics, and again after reading TLYCS after its first release in 2009. Driven to alleviate unnecessary suffering in the world, she joins The Life You Can Save eager to apply her business skills through a role that will have a huge positive impact on the lives of others. Louise loves cooking, bridge and golf, and lives in the Adelaide Hills with her partner, two children and rescue animals.