I first got to know Michaela while working for a commercial bank, accompanying her and other EBRD colleagues on a memorable due diligence trip to Sakhalin Island while working on the Sakhalin II project.  She possessed a sharp intellect as well as a maginficently mischievous sense of humour.  I was fortunate enough to experience these qualities further when I subsequently joined EBRD, Michaela working on projects for which I was the OL.  Her dedication to the communities impacted by the Bank’s projects was absolute and those communities have lost a champion.  I am saddened by her loss and my thoughts go out to her family and friends who will feel this loss all the more greatly.