With decades of experience, working in over 70 countries – in conservation, natural resource management, economic development, and social justice – our team brings passion and practical know-how to our global programs. Read more about our Mission and Approach.
Kate is a transformational leader and international development expert with a strong track record of advancing triple bottom-line strategies across sectors. With a background as a management consultant and a thought leader in sustainable business practices, Kate works at the intersection of profit, policy, and purpose. Her approach empowers businesses to grow more profitably, enables governments to operate more effectively, and helps civil society organizations scale their services with greater efficiency. As Chair, Kate brings visionary leadership, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to systems change that benefits people, planet, and performance.
Debbie brings a rich and varied background with over 35 years of experience in finance, management, marketing, communications, and human resources. She has contributed to both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and has worked independently as a consultant and real estate agent. Throughout her career, Debbie has held numerous board and volunteer positions that align with her strong interest in environmental and social issues. Her work reflects a deep belief in the power of mission-driven leadership to create lasting change.
With more than three decades of experience in international development, Frank Hicks has built a career focused on rural economic development, conservation, and climate change across tropical regions—including West Africa, Asia, and Latin America. He has held senior leadership roles with international NGOs, philanthropic foundations, and impact investment funds, always bringing a strategic lens to complex global challenges. Now based in Costa Rica, Frank continues to advance innovative approaches that integrate social equity with environmental resilience, staying deeply rooted in his commitment to sustainable, inclusive development.
Jeff has four decades of senior and executive experience in bank management providing team leadership for the development of various credit approval and risk management models. He is grounded in middle-market commercial finance, regulatory compliance, and risk management. He has provided leadership for non-profits serving animal welfare, homelessness, and higher education. Former National Bank Examiner. Graduate of Rice University and former Board of Trustee Member.
Anne brings more than 25 years of global experience in fundraising across the charity, non-profit, and higher education sectors. Currently serving as Chief Development Officer at Rare, she leads philanthropic strategy and builds partnerships that power environmental change. Her role on the board of Planet Women reflects a deep and enduring commitment to equity and environmental advocacy. Anne’s leadership is grounded in a passion for catalyzing resources and relationships to accelerate mission-driven work around the world.
John has worked for over 20 years on climate impacts and adaptation. Domestically, he worked at the EPA on water quality and treatment. Most of his career has been focused on helping developing countries adapt to a changing climate. He is interested in how people use climate information to make decisions. He has worked with USAID, the State Department and the International Research Institute for Climate and Society at Columbia University.
Hank Cauley is a seasoned leader with over 35 years of experience spanning the corporate, academic, and nonprofit sectors.He has launched or revitalized seven organizations and major initiatives, consistently working at the intersection of social, environmental, and business priorities. Known for his ability to foster collaboration and find common ground across diverse stakeholders, Hank excels in fast-paced, mission-critical environments that demand both strategic thinking and measurable results. As Founder and CEO of Nature For Justice, he brings a steady hand, a bold vision, and a deep commitment to creating lasting, systemic change.
Jasmine is an environmental justice advocate with a background in stormwater infrastructure and horticulture science. Using her background as an integrated force, Jasmine brings attention to communication barriers and the social exclusion of green infrastructure in POC communities. Jasmine worked in the role of N4J Engagement Coordinator for the Growing American Farmer Prosperity Program before being promoted to manager.
Jon-Jon Duncan-Abelheim is an emerging socio-environmental professional with experience supporting climate justice and community resilience initiatives across sub-Saharan Africa. With a BSc in Earth Sciences and an MPhil in Environmental Management (cum laude), he brings a strong academic foundation and a practical, solutions-oriented mindset. His work at Nature For Justice focuses on research, project design, and partnership engagement to advance equitable, locally led climate action through nature-based solutions.
Kamryn Whiteye is a Lunaapeexkwe (Delaware woman) from Eelünaapéewi Lahkéewiit (Delaware Nation) with a strong background in Indigenous relations, policy, and communications. She has supported national First Nations leadership and grassroots initiatives across Canada through strategic, culturally grounded consulting. Kamryn brings deep knowledge of Indigenous governance and community engagement, grounded in lived experience and a commitment to equity and healing.
Khulile is a South African citizen, living in Durban. She is a skilled program manager with over 20 years of demonstrated experience in the development and management of complex nature-based solutions, and community-based programs in South Africa. She brings expertise in local economic development in the environmental sector, including SMME and co-operative development and incubation, and business skills training and capacity building in both urban and rural settings.
Lisa serves as Chief Storyteller and Creative Advisor at Nature For Justice, bringing a deep passion for protecting the natural world and a rich background in creative storytelling. Her experience spans the art industry, publishing, education, and literary fields, where she has consistently used narrative to inspire and inform. Lisa previously led communications for an ocean-focused NGO and continues to champion local environmental action through a social media campaign promoting beach clean-ups in her South African community. Through her work, she weaves together powerful stories that elevate voices, connect communities, and drive meaningful environmental change.
Lorena James is an environmental social scientist with a passion for advancing inclusive, community-driven sustainability. Her background blends “eco-preneurship” with intercultural sustainability practices, reflecting a commitment to creative and equitable approaches to environmental challenges. Lorena brings hands-on experience in urban farming, food insecurity alleviation, and the upcycling of invasive species—each contributing to her vision of nature-based solutions that are not only effective, but accessible and empowering for all communities. In her role as Engagement Coordinator, she works to strengthen connections between people and the land, ensuring that innovation and impact go hand in hand.
Michael brings over 25 years of leadership experience in international development, environmental advocacy, and human rights to his role as Chief of Global Partnerships. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of the Africa Field Division at Conservation International, where he oversaw major regional initiatives and cross-border conservation strategies. Throughout his career, Michael has held senior positions at leading global organizations including Greenpeace Africa, Oxfam, the National Democratic Institute, the African Child Policy Forum, and Amnesty International. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing social justice, sustainability, and collaborative global action.
Michael is a committed advocate for environmental justice, with a strong background in organizing, policy change, and community engagement. He has led teams and driven initiatives focused on both state-level and local policy reforms, while building meaningful relationships across diverse stakeholder groups. With an academic foundation in Sustainable Development, Michael’s work is grounded in a deep commitment to climate justice, economic democracy, and decolonial principles. He brings both strategic insight and grassroots experience to his role as Program Manager. Based in western North Carolina, Michael finds balance and inspiration through rock climbing and woodworking.
Nicola is a strategic leader and seasoned technical expert with over 26 years of experience working at the intersection of climate change, nature, and social justice across Africa, Europe, and the Americas. She brings a rare blend of policy acumen and hands-on implementation expertise, bridging high-level strategic vision with practical, on-the-ground impact. Nicola leads Nature For Justice strategy and directs the Africa program.
Paula Sherman is a certified public accountant with over 25 years of experience in financial leadership, including roles as an accounting manager and corporate controller. Known for her precision, integrity, and strategic oversight, she brings deep expertise in financial management to mission-driven organizations. Paula currently serves as an Associate at Your Part-Time Controller and supports Nature For Justice in her role as fractional Chief Finance Officer, where she helps ensure financial health and accountability in support of the organization’s impact goals.
Patrick brings a lifetime of dedication to agriculture and public service, with over 30 years of farming experience and a strong background in federal government leadership. As the Owner and Operator of Brown Family Farms in Warren County, North Carolina for over a decade, he has built a successful enterprise focused on sustainable agriculture and community advancement. He also served for 16 years in the federal government, including 13 years in a range of management roles, where he helped shape programs supporting American farmers. Now, as Director of the Growing American Farmer Prosperity Program, Patrick combines his deep agricultural knowledge and policy experience to empower farmers and strengthen rural economies.
Robin is an accomplished program leader with over 20 years of international experience designing and managing initiatives that advance community empowerment and environmental conservation across global value chains. As Director of the First 30x30 Program in Canada, she guides efforts to support Indigenous-led conservation and biodiversity protection in alignment with national and global targets. Robin brings deep expertise in Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and in facilitating co-created development projects between communities and companies. Her work spans Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas, and includes supporting the development of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and fostering strong partnerships between First Nations and corporate actors in British Columbia. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to equity, collaboration, and transformative change.
Steven is a respected Indigenous leader and negotiator with extensive experience advancing Aboriginal and Treaty Constitutional Rights, negotiations, and relationship-building with Indigenous communities. A former Chief of the Łutsël K’é’ Dene First Nation, he has played a pivotal role in shaping Indigenous governance and advocating for community-led conservation. Steven is widely recognized for his ability to bridge traditional knowledge with policy and legal frameworks, fostering respectful, enduring partnerships between Indigenous Peoples, governments, and other stakeholders. As Managing Director for Canada, he brings a powerful voice and deep expertise to the forefront of Indigenous-led environmental and social initiatives.
Sunny brings nearly 30 years of experience as an Executive Assistant and more than two decades as a Professional Virtual Assistant, running her own successful business supporting clients remotely. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with entrepreneurs and small business owners, providing comprehensive administrative support and streamlining day-to-day operations. With a keen eye for detail and a proactive approach, Sunny excels at creating efficient systems and managing the behind-the-scenes work that keeps organizations running smoothly. As Director of Administration, she ensures operational excellence and delivers the dependable support that teams rely on.
An ecologist by profession, she has 16 years of experience in managing international cooperation and rural development projects that focus on the implementation of agricultural systems, especially cocoa, coffee, and agroforestry with rural communities and in strategic ecosystems in both the Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Colombia. She also manages resources for co-financing projects with various national and international entities to implement conservation, productive and NBS projects.
Barlin has more than two decades of experience dealing with international development and global disaster response. In 2018, she received the Humanitarian Ambassador for International Women Achievers Award.
Bala has over three decades of experience at the global, regional, and national levels in corporate banking, international development, applied ecological research, and social enterprises. He brings an interdisciplinary perspective to addressing challenges at the intersection of ecology, economy, and equity. He has lived and worked in Europe, the U.S., Asia-Pacific, and India, where he is currently based.
Edith has 24 years of non-profit financial and operations management experience. Her specialty is in the management of financial systems and in creating business processes that fit to purpose.
Clarenda is an award-winning fundraiser, communications professional, and CEO/Founder of Green Heffa Farms, the nation’s first Certified B Corp Black-owned farm.
Lynne has 20 years of experience as a strategy and implementation leader for nonprofits, public-private partnerships, and local, state, and national governments, spanning 10 US states and about 20 countries. She has served as director of program planning for a $6B public charity, associate director of science, technology, and economic development for a nonprofit research and consulting firm, and executive director of a small foundation focused on expanding women’s leadership opportunities.
Mohamed is a civil and environmental engineer with 30 years of professional experience in energy conservation, environmental impact assessment, management, and sustainability. He has managed multimillion-dollar projects for various US Government agencies, private industries, and international organizations.
Myles is a natural resource economist with over 35 years of experience addressing social-ecological challenges in developing countries around the world. His work focuses on designing and applying financial feasibility models and decision-support tools that guide public and private sector investments, including in nature-based solutions, agriculture, conservation, and water resource management. Myles brings a systems-thinking approach to complex development contexts, helping governments, INGOs, communities and businesses make informed, durable choices.
Tess Zakaras brings over 12 years of experience in global development, with a focus on private sector engagement, partnership development, and natural resource management. Throughout her career, she has led the design and implementation of cross-sector initiatives that unite donors, international and local companies, and civil society organizations around shared impact goals. Tess has developed innovative tools and training materials to strengthen partnerships and has written extensively on effective, impact-driven collaboration. Her work reflects a deep commitment to building inclusive, resilient systems that support both people and the planet.
