Frank Pichel is a land information specialist with experience designing, managing, and implementing projects around the globe. Frank started his career working to deliver technologically appropriate solutions for land management in the US, Caribbean, and Africa, implementing tools for use by local and national governments. While based in West Africa, Frank focused on the design of cost-effective tools for land information to be used by local communities, as well as on state and national land administration systems.

Subsequently, as a Land Tenure and Property Rights Specialist for USAID. Mr. Pichel assisted in the design, contracting and management of USAID land rights and data related programs globally. Frank focused specifically on the use of technology to cost effectively allow individuals and communities to document and manage their own rights, designing the Mobile Application to Secure Tenure (MAST) tool, a first of its kind, phone-based application used to formally document land rights in several countries.

Recognizing the need to move beyond data collection, and into localized management, use and ownership of data, Frank helped establish Cadasta Foundation, serving as the Chief Programs Officer. Frank led the definition of the technical needs of the Cadasta Foundation platform and managed partnerships and program implementation, working with over 100 partners in more than 40 countries to strengthen their land and resource rights.

Frank holds a B.A. in International Business from Virginia Tech, and a MSc in Land Management and Geospatial Science from the Technical University of Munich.