Grants and Contracts Unit
In the fall of 2017 the director of grants management for CEPF moved to a global grants and contracts role within Conservation International, and after a competitive hiring process, Senior Grants Manager Antonia Cermak-Terzian was promoted to the director role. Antonia is currently managing Grants Managers Deborah Miller and Florencia Renedo, as well as Grants Coordinator Caroline Borek. Antonia is working to backfill two other grants manager positions: one to replace her own previous position, and one to replace Grants Manager Skylar Hurwitz, who left CEPF to move abroad with his wife.
Actions Since the RIT Exchange
Since the May 2017 RIT Exchange in Athens, Greece, numerous action points have been or are being addressed. Most prevalent are those pertaining to communications and capacity building. Notable efforts undertaken by the Secretariat to respond to RIT concerns and requests are monthly conference calls with RIT managers on key topics identified at the exchange as needing clarification or discussion; twice-monthly email updates from the Secretariat on new developments, tools, staff and other items; a new website to facilitate communication and sharing between RITs; prioritization of topics for RIT capacity building; and delivery of trainings on key topics. RIT staff have been extremely receptive to the opportunities provided, and have welcomed the increased engagement with the Secretariat.
New Hires and Recent Promotions
CEPF recently welcomed Grants Managers Deborah Miller and Florencia Rendeo as well as Grant Coordinator Caroline Borek.
Senior Grants Manager Antonia Cermak-Terzian has been promoted to grants management director; Finance Manager Bradford Castro has been promoted to senior finance manager; Finance Coordinator Nicole Zach has been promoted to senior finance coordinator; and Communications Manager Marsea Nelson has been promoted to senior communications manager.
