ECoD Team

Helfried Carl,
Founder

Helfried is Founder of and Advisory Board Member at the European Capital of Democracy initiative and a Board Member at the Innovation in Politics Institute. In his career as a diplomat, he has acted as Chief of Cabinet of the President of the Austrian Parliament and Austrian Ambassador to Slovakia.

Stefan Sindelar,
CEO

Stefan started his professional career in media and technology, entered politics for the launch of NEOS, serving as Director of the Parliamentary Group and Managing Director of the party. His work experience includes various settings: from NPOs and start-ups to companies and politics, with a strong focus on building, growing and developing disruptive products.

Dunja Ganser, Compliance & Safeguarding Officer

Dunja is a versatile expert in project development and management. Bringing new ideas to life, acting as an experienced guide through this process and understanding each target group’s hope and wishes are the main tasks she carried out in various fields – the arts world, policy-making & media projects.

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Laura Thomas, European City Network Manager

Laura is the Innovation in Politics Institute’s Country Representative in the UK and leads the ECoD call for cities, as well as City Network meetings and events. She has worked as an English language teacher. Prior to this, Laura gained a Master’s in Global Health from Copenhagen University which enabled her to view global issues through a multidisciplinary lens.

Alexander Heichlinger,
ECoD Barcelona Envoy

Alexander´s expertise is anchored in the fields of local government and management, innovation of the public sector and digital transformation. Until February 2020 he was a Senior Member and Manager at EIPA Barcelona. Over the past 20 years, he managed and delivered numerous large-scale, multi-disciplinary and cross-national projects.

Elene Gagnidze,
Project Officer

Elene has a background of practical experience within the legal field. She has extended her academic horizons by attaining a second Master’s degree in Human Rights in Vienna, gaining professional insights at the International Institute for Peace. Additionally, she directs her democracy research efforts toward Eastern Europe, the Balkans, as well as the South and North Caucasus.

Mathis Dippon,Democracy Year Manager

Mathis is responsible for the Democracy Year and all related activities and cooperations. He is an expert on civic participation on the local and regional level. He also manages an international network of mayors. He holds a master’s degree in Public Professional Decision Making (University of Bremen) and a bachelor’s degree in Politics and Public Administration (University of Constance).

Miriam Hargašova,
Head of Awards & Project Manager

Miriam has a background in political science and international relations, coupled with practical experience in public affairs and communication. She leads the annualInnovation in Politics Awards and manages the ACT NOW Mayors’ Conference — initiatives dedicated to fostering collaboration and driving positive change.  

Marta Fraschetti
Junior Project Manager

Marta is pursuing a degree in Political, Legal, and Governmental studies at Central European University. Beginning her career as a project assistant in the European Capital of Democracy, Marta now focuses on community management and participant relations within the Innovation in Politics Awards.

Selma Fetic,
Communication Manager

Selma is a dynamic professional with six years of communications experience and five years in teaching, complemented by her work in the energy and IT sectors, government institutions, and international affairs. She is in charge of communication, with a focus on digital and social media channels.

Tijana Zherajikj,
Call & Fundraising Coordinator

Tijana has a background in International Relations and Public Policy, alongside experience in project coordination, administration, and academic assistantship. She supports projects and grants writing at European Capital of Democracy.

Alicia Linder,
Intern

Alicia is a Liaison and Research Intern, supporting research and building connections for democratic innovation. Currently based in Vienna, she is pursuing a degree in Global Studies at Long Island University Global. Alicia has studied abroad in Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region, enriching her global perspective.