Our Staff

The passionate staff at Nature Foundation engage people in conservation through a wide range of programs and activities.

Headed by Chief Executive Officer Alex Nankivell, our staff have a wide range of strategic and operational expertise and fill roles as diverse as Nature Reserve management, environmental offsets, Aboriginal and community engagement, ecology, planning and strategy, human resources, finance, fundraising, partnerships, communication and marketing.

Alex Nankivell
Chief Executive Officer
Alex has been with Nature Foundation since 2008 and adeptly handles both the strategic and operational sides of Nature Foundation business operations, from writing management plans to expertly overseeing their on-the-ground implementation. Alex has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Management and a Masters of Project Management.
Mark Ashley
Deputy CEO
Mark is an experienced executive with a diverse background leading various environmental management organisations, the Northern Territory Conservation Commission, Bushfires NT, and the Water Resources Division of the NT Department of Environment and Natural Resources. He works part time with Nature Foundation and coordinates new strategic programs and partnerships that achieve conservation, community development, and commercial outcomes.
Georgie Fiedler
Corporate Services Program Manager
Georgie is CPA qualified and brings a wealth of experience in the not-for-profit accounting field as well as the commercial and government sectors. Georgie loves the outdoors, especially bushwalking and camping in South Australia’s national parks.
Caroline Nefiodovas
Nature Solutions Development Manager
Caroline has 15 years’ experience in business development, marketing and project office roles and has worked closely with the private sector and all tiers of government. Along with strong customer service skills and experience, Caroline has studied Environmental Science and holds a Diploma in Project Management.
Erica Stacey
Marketing and Communications Manager
Erica has a wealth of practical experience in strategic marketing and communications, with a focus and specialty in digital marketing. Her passion for the environment also sees her undertaking a Diploma of Sustainable Operations.
When she's not tapping away on her laptop or mobile, Erica can be found hiking in her local national park.
Patrick Mentzel
Philanthropy Coordinator
Patrick leads grant opportunity liaison with corporate and philanthropic organisations. Patrick has a background in marketing, sales, event management, communications and fundraising in the not-for-profit sector. He has an affinity with the environment, having travelled extensively through Australia’s outback and to remote places in the world.
Katie Perry
Youth Programs Coordinator
Katie leads Kids on Country, bringing together young Aboriginal people, Elders and researchers, providing culturally appropriate conservation activities. Katie has a Cert IV in Training & Education, Diploma in Narrative Approaches and Cert IV in Community Services Work and 20 years’ experience working with several language groups across SA.
Warren Milera
Youth Programs & Conservation Officer
Warren is a Narungga/Adnyamathanha man based in Hawker in the Flinders Ranges. He has worked with Nature Foundation’s Kids on Country program since 2017 as Senior Cultural Camp Leader. His new role aims to support Katie in building participation opportunities for Aboriginal young people.
 
Warren holds a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Indigenous Community and Management. (ICMDP). He is also a highly accomplished musician well known for his mesmerising performances of original country and rock music and has been performing for over 20 years, presenting at shows all over Australia from small rural pubs to big city stages.
 
Lucy Clive
Science and Knowledge Project Officer
Lucy joined Nature Foundation after working for two years as an Ecologist for a local consulting company in Adelaide gaining valuable fauna and vegetation survey experience and report writing skills. Lucy recently completed her PhD on the Nationally Endangered Pygmy Bluetongue Lizard with Flinders University. Lucy has a Masters in Animal Behaviour and a Bachelors in Zoology. Before coming to South Australia, she spent a year studying meerkats in South Africa.
 
Kelly Arbon
Science and Engagement Project Officer
Kelly is skilled in GIS and spatial analytics and has worked in the private land conservation sector since 2011. She has a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Animal Science and Soil and Land Systems and a Master of Environment with a focus on social sustainability. Kelly has also worked in environmental education and has true passion for connecting people to nature.
 
Jane Cooper
Office and Executive Coordinator
Jane has previously worked in roles as diverse as human resources, executive assistant, media relations, with Jan at Ninti One as Exec assistant and as division manager for Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure. Jane brings a deep expertise in the EA role and systems, and humility and gentle humour that will help our organisation continue to improve and grow.  She is also, and quite rightly so, a passionate Crows supporter.

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