As director, Thomas Randolph is responsible for the overall implementation of the program to ensure that it realizes its objectives and desired impact. An agricultural economist, Randolph formerly led an ILRI team facilitating effective participation of resource-poor smallholder livestock keepers in markets, including improved access to appropriate inputs, services, knowledge and technologies. His research interests included animal and human health issues and impact assessment. Before joining ILRI in 1998, he conducted policy research at the Africa Rice Centre. Randolph has PhD and MSc degrees in agricultural economics from Cornell University.