Alexis Kriel

Nominated by the Board of the African Pangolin Working Group to take the position of Co-Chairperson of the organisation, when the founder and Chairman, Professor Ray Jansen, stepped down for personal reasons.

• Managed crisis situations effectively, minimising negative impact on organisation's reputation.
• Managed difficult transition for organisation, during change of management
• Created compliancy for organisation
• Promoted organisational transparency by implementing clear reporting structures and open communication channels.
• Enhanced board communication
• Increased Executive Committee from three board members to six board members.
• Guided organisational restructuring efforts - through strategy workshops, led by Impact by Design - creating improved efficiency and better alignment of resources.
• Provided guidance on policy development, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and industry standards.
• Played instrumental role in identifying new opportunities that have contributed to project growth.
• Cultivated company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professionals to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
• Represented organisation at industry conferences and events.
• Shouldered company fiscal responsibility.
• Navigated complex negotiations successfully, securing beneficial partnerships and agreements for organisation.
• Oversaw fundraising efforts, leading to greater financial stability and resources for organisation.

• Reconciled monthly statements, invoices and expense accounts, keeping records accurate, and current.
• Implemented strategies to improve organisational financial performance.
• Planned and managed R2 million annual budgets, tracking expenses, and investigating discrepancies to maintain optimal controls. Annual budget spend is expected to increase to R5 million in 2025
• Oversaw financial reporting process to facilitate timely and accurate financial statement preparation.
• Executed financial due diligence tasks on daily basis to maintain optimal company finances.
• Prepared and presented financial reports to inform board of directors.
• Advised management regarding significant expenditures to keep operations in line with budget limitations.
• Developed financial strategies for long-term growth, resulting in increased revenue and profitability.
• Coordinated with external auditors to enforce compliance with financial regulations and standards.
• Oversaw successful completion of external audits without any major findings or issues raised by auditors.
• Reduced operating costs by identifying and implementing cost-saving measures across organisation.
• Strengthened organisation's liquidity position through effective cash management techniques, ensuring sufficient funds were available to meet operational needs.
• Worked closely with auditors to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, avoiding potential fines or penalties.
• Established policies and procedures to support compliance with laws and regulations.
• Negotiated and managed contracts with funders to optimise value for organisation.
• Managed budgets, assets, portfolios, accounts payable, and receivable and general financial reporting procedures.
• Projected monthly cash expenditures through efficient budgeting and detailed document reviews.
• Created budgets for grant proposals and managed budgets under grant funding

• Fostered collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
• Guided organisation through periods of change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
• Championed diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within organisation to create more inclusive work environment.
• Led successful fundraising campaigns, securing critical resources for program development and expansion.
• Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for organisation.
• Spearheaded new program initiatives to advance organisation's mission.
• Promoted culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities.
• Collaborated with external organisations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Negotiated contracts with funders, securing favorable terms while adhering to budgetary constraints.
• Forged strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organisational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
• Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand organisation's reach and influence.
• Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion.
• Aligned organisation's vision, goals, and objectives with strategy to achieve consistently high results.
• Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organisational efficiencies.
• Created promotional materials and provided insightful information to social media, websites and print media to educate public.
• Monitored compliance with laws and regulations to protect organisation from legal liabilities and penalties.
• Advocated for organisation and company mission to raise awareness and support.
• Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organisations to secure funding and support for organisation.
• Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.

• Served as advocate and ambassador for organisation by fully engaging, identifying, and securing resources and partnerships to advance mission.
• Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organisational mission.
• Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate short- and long-term success
• Assisted Chairperson in all areas of organisation's management to improve operational efficiency.
• Researched potential local, regional, and international funders and assisted in relationship building.
• Represented organisation at industry conferences and events.
• Established and maintained strong relationships with funders.
• Secured funding for projects and fundamental assets for organisation
• Trained in grant writing and wrote successful grant proposal for USAID funding
• Managed successful grant under USAID funding - Law Enforcement in Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area
• Developed Law Enforcement and Prosecution Manual for pangolins in South Africa, under USAID grant funding.
• Oversaw Monitoring and Evaluation of grant under USAID funding and was compliant in submitting reports to USAID.

• Worked in partnership with the producer of Special Assignment, Hazel Friedman, for a documentary programme investigating the trade of pangolins in South Africa, for SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation). Role was in driving the content for the series as chief investigator, well as in being interviewed and in conducting interviews.
• There were 3 episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67J-DQ1K_Fw / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TqU-boDZFE . Last episode is no longer available to watch online.

Presentation of paper: REHABILITATION OF A BLACK BELLIED AND WHITE BELLIED PANGOLIN IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC at first International Conference on Pangolin Conservation, hosted by African Pangolin Working Group.

Six-week intensive HAND REARING OF BLACK BELLIED PANGOLIN PUP (four months old) and WHITE BELLIED PANGOLIN PUP (one month old) at SANGHA LODGE in Central African Republic.

In Film Production as Script Writer / Production Manager / and Editor

Gained valuable knowledge of film industry and have continued to use associated skills.

Did first Star Cadet Course, which was one year accreditation. There were no Universities offering Journalism degrees at the time.

Went on to work as journalist on The Star and have continued to use journalism training for press releases, report writing, proposal writing, and investigative journalism.