Novica

Andy is a recognized 20+ year expert in global logistics and operations. At NOVICA, he spearheaded the creation of groundbreaking global logistics systems, which he continues to expand and direct today. Andy is a passionate innovator and advocate of sustainable development. He credits his parents and grandparents with inspiring his (and his brother Roberto’s) passion for traditional cultures and social entrepreneurship. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and conversant in Italian and Portuguese. Before co-founding NOVICA, Andy worked as the internet administrator for the Texas State SBEC, and also worked for the University of Texas and the Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio. Andy graduated from Stanford University with honors.

Prior to co-founding NOVICA, Armenia served as a United Nations Human Rights Officer. She dedicated her career to working in war torn countries around the world, assisting refugees and participating in complex peace processes, including in El Salvador and Bosnia Herzegovina. Armenia served on a UNHCR team that won a Nobel Peace Prize (1981). She is fluent in six languages and conversant in three more. Armenia’s UN missions spanned over two decades prior to co-founding NOVICA. Now she pours her passion into creating fair trade opportunities for artists and artisans in emerging nations. She has been featured on numerous news programs and recognized as a Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year.

With over 20 years working in technology and online marketing, Charles is a noted industry expert and is frequently featured in case studies and on industry panels. Prior to co-founding NOVICA in 1999, Charles managed Tri-Stel International, a consulting firm based in Austin, Texas. As an application developer and systems analyst for clients such as 3M and the Executive MBA Program at University of Texas at Austin, he also participated in new business development with several software and technology start-ups. Charles earned a BA from the University of Texas at Austin, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Mathematics and Business.

Prior to co-founding NOVICA, Jose worked for the Boston Consulting Group in Monterrey and Mexico City, focusing on Ecommerce strategy and retailer logistics. Jose received a Master’s degree in Operations Research and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, both from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He worked on a variety of research projects with NASA, AT&T Bell Labs and General Motors. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, conversant in Portuguese, and has basic knowledge of Japanese. He received his BS in Mechanical Engineering with Distinction from Stanford in 1995.

Roberto is a 20+ year industry pioneer and expert in the field. The Schwab Foundation recognized him as an Outstanding Social Entrepreneur for his work with NOVICA, the World Economic Forum named him a Young Global Leader, YPO recognized his work with a Global Impact Award, and América Economia highlighted NOVICA’s dedication to cultural preservation. Prior to co-founding NOVICA in 1999, Roberto worked in investment banking, helping raise funds across capital markets, M&A, and venture financings. He is a CFA Charterholder, worked in Peru’s National Tax Department, and graduated from Stanford University with honors in International Relations. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, he combines financial discipline with a long-standing commitment to expanding economic opportunity through entrepreneurship.

Blake Hatcher, CPA, serves as NOVICA’s CFO, leading the accounting team on a fractional basis. He brings more than 15 years of experience supporting high-growth companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 enterprises. His background includes leadership roles at companies such as TaskUs and Shine America, with expertise spanning technology, NGOs, real estate, and entertainment. Blake specializes in building financial infrastructure, strengthening corporate accounting functions, overseeing international operations, and guiding management teams through strategic decision-making. Prior to founding Hatcher CFO in 2018, he served as Director of Corporate Accounting at American Property Group and as Chairman of the Board at Partners for Potential, focusing on financial systems, reporting, and scalable growth.

Catherine directed NOVICA’s communications efforts from the outset, and she helped establish NOVICA as a global fair trade marketplace by securing hundreds of major media features, and continues to lead NOVICA's email marketing campaigns and social media. Before joining NOVICA in 2000, Catherine wrote political and travel articles for international magazines, and was a frequent expert commentator on news radio and television programs. Catherine also served as an NGO-invited human rights investigator, and at the request of a rebel army, she conducted an exploratory peace-themed meeting with former President Jimmy Carter. A UC Berkeley graduate, Catherine later returned as a guest lecturer at UCB’s Graduate School of Journalism.

Kat has directed NOVICA’s global sourcing since 2008. Her career in retail spans three decades, with two decades specialized in e-commerce. Kat oversees NOVICA sourcing teams spanning 10 regions of the world, managing product development and the production of NOVICA and UNICEF print catalogs. Kat travels extensively for hands-on sourcing and team development. Prior to NOVICA, Kat was a Partner at The Dock Downtown and made regular buying trips to select and develop home décor, textiles, furniture and gifts. Prior to that she was Merchandise Manager for GFLA and also worked for Warner Bros Consumer Products in design and merchandising. Kat graduated with honors from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.