Chachu Ganya, Chairman
Chachu is a long-standing advocate for pastoralist communities and the dryland ecosystems they call home. He served three terms as Member of Parliament for North Horr in northern Kenya, where he played a key role in shaping policy on environment, education, and community development.
Educated in the United States, he holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a focus on environmental policy, along with a background in non-profit management and environmental studies. Before entering politics, he led the Pastoralist Integrated Support Programme and later worked with the Northern Rangelands Trust on community engagement and governance. His work has always been grounded in the belief that conservation and community wellbeing must go hand in hand.
Giles Davies, Treasurer
Giles is the founder of Conservation Capital and has spent more than twenty years working at the forefront of conservation finance. During that time, he has helped to design and fund a wide range of initiatives across Africa, Europe and Latin America, from nature-based tourism ventures to carbon and biodiversity projects. Based in Kenya, he works across both business and conservation, developing practical models that support landscapes and the people who live in them. Originally trained as a chartered accountant, Giles brings a carefully considered approach to the question of how we invest in nature and the future it makes possible.
Mary Njongo
Born and raised in Kenya, Mary left at 18 to pursue a BSc in Psychology and a Master’s in Development Studies before returning home in 2003 with a global perspective and a drive to innovate. After a year with AMREF, she founded Archive Solutions, Kenya’s first corporate archiving company, establishing a new benchmark for professional records management.
Following the successful sale of Archive Solutions, Mary joined her family’s residential property development business, where she continues to play a leading role. In 2019, she launched WaterSafe Kenya, a programme dedicated to saving children’s lives through water safety education. The course equips infants, toddlers, and young children with lifelong water safety skills and a love of swimming, while empowering families with the most effective training available.
Mary lives in Nairobi with her husband and their children.
Krista Mitchell Cornell
Krista comes with a deep commitment to conservation and a wealth of experience in philanthropic leadership. With a background in nonprofit strategy, donor engagement, and environmental advocacy, Krista has spent much of her career supporting initiatives that protect ecosystems, empower communities, and drive long-term impact. She is known for her thoughtful, pragmatic approach and her belief in conservation models that are locally rooted and globally relevant. Her work bridges private philanthropy and public good, with a strong focus on building partnerships that support sustainable solutions.