As a highly dedicated environmental executive, I have more than 20 years of successful experience leading, developing, guiding, and executing strategic plans, advocacy campaigns, communications programmes, legislative policies, and fundraising initiatives that support conservation, biodiversity and sustainability efforts. Prior to that I was an award-winning reporter at The Washington Post, Los Angeles Daily News and Atlanta Constitution, and co-wrote the critically acclaimed book, "In My Family Tree: A Life with Chimpanzees."During my career, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to set and achieve goals that enhanced each organization's mission, such as: ~LEADERSHIP & RELATIONSHIP BUILDING – Developed and maintained close working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including community / grassroots organizations, local / national/international parties, organizational staff, strategic partners, and donors.~RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – Led the development and implementation of short- and long-term goals and programs by increasing and managing organizational resources.~INTERNATIONAL POLICIES – Guided negotiations for United Nations (UN)-level actions to promote implementation of global agreements.~ENVIRONMENTAL & SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES – Negotiated Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with key sustainability groups on reduction, recycling and sustainability development by 2023.I currently work as a Technical Consultant to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), supporting ecosystem restoration and biodiversity-related efforts regarding the African Green Stimulus, the Sustainable Development Goals, and UNEP's 50th Anniversary, among others. Earlier, I was the VP, Conservation at Ocean Conservancy, CEO of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), Program Coordinator for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), VP Development for Orangutan Conservancy, and Executive Director at the Pan African Sanctuaries Alliance (PASA).Combining a reputation for outstanding communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a strong track record of successful outcomes in various nonprofit organizations and roles, I am a valuable team member who champions and leads organizations to achieve their goals.Specialties: strategic planning, team development, strategic partnerships, fundraising, fiscal management, BOD, global communications, community outreach, digital & social media marketing, membership growth