HOW WE ARE GOVERNED

Planet Madagascar is a Canadian registered charity whose purpose is to build sustainable forest communities by conserving Madagascar's unique biodiversity while improving the lives of people living in Madagascar and empowering people in Madagascar and elsewhere to contribute to the preservation of Madagascar’s wildlife. Our Board of Directors is made up of passionate scientists, wildlife experts, conservationists, and educators dedicated to achieving Planet Madagascar’s mission, strategy, and goals. In Madagascar, our Implementing Partner in Madagascar is Planet Madagascar Association. All of our projects are designed and implemented by our Canadian and Malagasy staff members in consultation with the local communities, Madagascar National Parks, and other NGO organizations working within the national park.

OUR TEAM

Travis Steffens, PhD - Founder and Executive Director

Travis Steffens has a BSc in Primatology, an MA in Anthropology from the University of Calgary, and a PhD in Evolutionary Anthropology from the University of Toronto. Travis specializes in primate conservation biogeography and applied conservation. Travis has been involved in primate research since 2002 and has conducted many research projects on endangered primates in both Belize, Central America, and Madagascar. In 2015, Travis founded Planet Madagascar to work towards building sustainable forest communities in Madagascar. He combines his research with practical conservation measures to protect lemurs and their habitat and improve the livelihoods of people who live in connection to lemurs. Steffens also serves on the Board of Directors.

Hafeez Abdul, Programs Director

Hafeez Abdul has a Master’s degree in Project Management from the Riphah International University, Pakistan and is currently seeking his Master’s in Management from the University of British Columbia. Hafeez has over 10 years of program management and policy analysis experience. Hafeez is a program and grants portfolio expert with extensive experience in strategic planning, policy analysis, advocacy, program implementation, fundraising and coalition building in the nonprofit sector at international, federal, provincial, and local levels. Hafeez is bringing his wealth of experience and enthusiasm to help Planet Madagascar develop new programs, strategies, and to generally grow our organization in a meaningful way.

Mamy RAZAFITSALAMA, Madagascar Country Director and Operations Manager

Mamy RAZAFITSALAMA is an award winning conservationist dedicated to helping create sustainable forest communities in Madagascar. Mamy has a Maitrise de Recherche in Anthropology and Evolutionary Biology and a D.E.A. (Dîplomes d’Etudes Approfondies) in Primatology from the University of Antananarivo. Mamy's research focused on the impact of habituation in behavior and diet for breast feeding females of Coquerel’s sifaka (Propithecus coquereli) in Ankarafantsika National Park. Aside from research, Mamy has worked as a Consultant in a malaria program at Population Services International. Mamy leads and oversees all of Planet Madagascar’s programs in Madagascar.

Hasina Rabe, Conservation Program Manager

Board of Directors

Mike Reid, PhD - Chair of the Board

Keriann McGoogan, PhD - Secretary of the Board

Keriann McGoogan has a PhD in Biological Anthropology from the University of Toronto. In 2007/8, Keriann spent 14 months studying the impact of habitat loss and forest edges on an endangered lemur species in northwest Madagascar. Since then, Keriann has assisted Travis Steffens in his research on habitat fragmentation and its impact on lemur species in remote areas of Madagascar. Keriann is excited to head up communications and funding for Planet Madagascar, and brings with her a passion for wildlife and conservation, as well as years of experience.

Gregory Bridgett, MA - Treasurer of the Board

Greg Bridgett completed a Master’s degree in primatology before working as a lab manager and research technician for long-term research projects focused on primate life history. Recently, he has transitioned into science education and outreach and is currently employed in the Education Branch of the Toronto Zoo. Greg has conducted fieldwork in the neotropics and Canada and he continues to pursue his interest in wildlife and conservation. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and hopes to foster a passion for nature in his young children.

Joe Grabowski - Director at Large

Educator Joe Grabowski teaches science and math in Guelph, Ontario. He's a 2017 National Geographic Emerging Explorer and their first Education Fellow. In September 2015, Joe launched the nonprofit organization, Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants with a primary goal of bringing science, exploration, adventure and conservation into classrooms across North America via virtual speakers and field trips. Joe's an avid scuba diver and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

Matthew Berridge - Director at Large

Matthew Berridge is a Lead Zoo Keeper at the Toronto Zoo, where he has worked since 1998, caring for a variety of species. Matthew is passionate about connecting people to conservation, and sharing his knowledge of animals.

Amanda Chamoun - Director at Large

Amanda Chamoun earned her Bachelor of Science in Anthropology at the University of Toronto. While working as a marketing manager at Bell, she completed a certificate in Project Management through the UofT School of Continuing Studies. Currently on maternity leave with her first child, she is working toward her PMP credentials and aims to leverage those skills to support Planet Madagascar's future endeavors.