Leadership

Zain Verjee, Chair

Kenyan born Zain Verjee is one of the world’s most respected and recognized journalists, with 14 years of experience at CNN as an anchor, reporter and in-depth interviewer. Zain invests her personal time in understanding the people and communities that she meets in the course of travels to countries around the world for her work. Her passion for Africa led her to create aKoma, Africa’s premier digital storytelling platform. aKoma captures the diverse and creative energy of the continent, and provides a global platform for story-telling from an African perspective.

Asher Jay

Asher Jay is an international adventurer and public figure whose compelling paintings, sculptures, installations, animations, publicity campaigns, and films all have a single purpose: to incite global action on behalf of wildlife conservation.

A nomadic globe trotter who fell in love with New York while studying at Parson’s New School of Design, Asher travels to the frontline as a witness and story-teller, combatting illegal wildlife trafficking, promoting habitat sanctuaries and illuminating humanitarian emergencies. Her core message, repeated again and again, is the need for action to reverse biodiversity loss during the Anthropocene – the Age of Man.

Termeh Rassi

Termeh Rassi has over 20 years of experience developing innovative concepts and programs in multiple communications companies, from her pioneering days of AOL to the National Geographic Society where she now works. At NGS she has launched and managed several large initiatives such as the Special Investigations Unit focused on wildlife crime. Working with both established organizations and start-ups, she specializes in fostering the emergence of new ideas, teams and approaches in complex environments. Her passions include changing the world, education, games, elegant solutions, engaging content, robust communities and innovation.

Wesley Della Volla, Treasurer

Wesley Della Volla Emmy is the founder of Meridian Treehouse. He is also the National Press Photographers Association Innovation, & multiple Webby Award-winning multi-platform strategic storyteller, media producer, and experience designer, with 15+ years experience in mission driven story development, digital and social multimedia, community  engagement, immersive experiences, events programming, talent development, relationship management and broadcast television. His mission is to apply this broad track record of success and creative innovation to develop media and experiences that create connection, spark the imagination and foster understanding.

Ambassador Ali Daud Mohamed, Chairman

Ambassador Ali D. Mohamed is Kenya’s Special Envoy for Climate Change in the Executive Office of the President. A respected public servant and climate diplomat, he has devoted more than three decades to environmental governance, sustainable development and international cooperation. He has chaired and served on numerous boards and multilateral platforms, including as Chair of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change, and has helped shape Kenya’s and Africa’s climate agenda through the UNFCCC process, the Africa Climate Summit and wider international engagement. He was named among the Top 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 by New African Magazine, recognised as the Most Influential African in the Climate Space through the Earth Champion Award, and awarded the 2025 Gusi Peace Prize for his contribution to climate diplomacy and sustainable development. Known for his quiet leadership and commitment to service, he brings to WildlifeDirect a deep belief that protecting Africa’s wildlife and ecosystems is central to climate resilience, sustainable development and the wellbeing of future generations.

Dr. Kamau Gachigi

Dr. Kamau Gachigi is the Executive Director of Gearbox, a company that provides an open space for design and rapid prototyping. WildlifeDirect has been working with Gearbox. In 2017, Gearbox partnered with WildifeDirect and held an innovation camp in Amboseli that took a human-centred approach to solving human-wildlife conflict. Dr. Gachigi is also the founder of Fab Lab at the University of Nairobi, which is part of the international Fab Lab network started at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He has a doctorate in Solid State Science from Penn State University.

Dr. Margaret Kinnaird 

Dr. Margaret Kinnaird, formerly with Wildlife Conservation Society, the Executive Director of Mpala Research Center, and the Global Wildlife Practice Leader at World Wildlife Fund – International is a recognized scientist with extensive experience in Africa and Asia. Dr. Margaret joins the board to help WildlifeDirect align its strategies to global agendas and promote the publication of WildlifeDirect’s accomplishments in recognized scientific journals.

Mohamed Awer

Mohamed Awer is the former Chief Executive Officer of WWF- Kenya, a locally registered non-governmental organization and an affiliate of WWF International, the largest conservation organization in the world. Mohamed officially left WWF Kenya on 28 February 2026. Before his last appointment, he was the Country Director of WWF in Kenya since 2009. At WWF-Kenya, Mohamed leads the organization in programme development, provides oversight in programme implementation including monitoring and evaluation, oversees operations as well as spearheads Resource Mobilization efforts for the organization. Under his leadership, the organization has transformed from a country office under WWF International to a local autonomous organisation that is part of the civil society in Kenya.

Cheryl Joan Jones

 Cheryl Joan Jones is an experienced strategic thinker with a well developed analytical and corporate skill set combined with formidable team leadership qualities. Proven ability at planning, executing, and delivering multifaceted management processes across a range of commercial and non-profit sectors in challenging landscapes. She is motivated by a desire to achieve the highest quality standards and on-time, on-budget solution driven responses. She has extensive management and leadership experience in Africa, especially African agricultural value chains and food systems, start-ups and acquisitions requiring detailed due diligence. Experience in African agribusiness development, market entry and organizational streamlining for delivery of results. Accomplished cross cultural negotiator in partnership spaces involving commercial entities, government, donors, parastatal sectors, investors, and NGOs.