FOMAWA'S Leadership Team

We are driven by a shared passion for environmental conservation, community empowerment, and sustainable development. With diverse expertise spanning forestry, education, agriculture, and community engagement, each member brings invaluable experience and commitment to advancing our mission.

William Potgieter – Chairman, FOMAWA

As the Chairman of FOMAWA, William (Willy) Potgieter brings decades of leadership in sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. He is the Founder and Managing Director of Redshank Ltd, established in 1994, a pioneering company specializing in F1 hybrid seed production for export through advanced greenhouse farming. Under his visionary leadership, the farm has expanded to include permaculture gardens, a tree nursery, and integrated livestock systems, fostering a circular economy model.

Willy has played a pivotal role in supporting local tree nurseries, particularly in response to environmental challenges such as the El Niño floods in the early 2000s, which devastated riverbank nurseries. His expertise and passion for environmental conservation have significantly contributed to FOMAWA's mission to preserve and restore ecosystems. Raised in Nanyuki, educated in South Africa, and deeply connected to Kenya, Willy also brings his agricultural and tourism experience to his advisory role at Redshank Ltd and FOMAWA.

Johnny Onslow – Treasurer, FOMAWA

Johnny is a distinguished leader in education and environmental conservation, with a career spanning decades of impactful service in Kenya. As a founding member of FOMAWA, Johnny has leveraged his expertise to support watershed conservation and community engagement. He played a transformative role as Principal of Peponi House School and later as Development Manager of the Vanessa Grant Trust, overseeing the growth of 14 schools and championing educational access for underprivileged students.

Johnny's entrepreneurial ventures, including a successful fishing fly export business, reflect his innovative approach to sustainable livelihoods. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, an MBA, and an MBE for services to education, Johnny’s leadership combines financial acumen with a deep commitment to conservation and community development.

Mrs. Nicola Jane Potgieter – Board Member, FOMAWA

Nicola Jane Potgieter is a dedicated advocate for sustainability and community development, bringing over three decades of experience in managing sustainable agricultural initiatives. Co-founder of Redshank Ltd, Nicola has been instrumental in integrating sustainable farming practices into the company's operations and building resilience in the local farming community.

As a FOMAWA Board Member since 2024, Nicola's leadership underscores her lifelong commitment to environmental conservation in Kenya. Her collaborative approach to managing Redshank Ltd alongside Willy reflects her deep ties to the region and dedication to fostering sustainable livelihoods.

Mrs. Lucinda Voorspuy – Board Member, FOMAWA

Lucinda Voorspuy is an entrepreneurial leader in sustainable tourism and environmental conservation, based in Rongai, Kenya. She has built a thriving horseback safari business that highlights Kenya’s rich biodiversity while promoting responsible tourism practices.

Lucinda is a passionate advocate for forest conservation, particularly focusing on the preservation of the forest behind Deloraine, part of the Mau Forest ecosystem. Her work exemplifies the synergy between tourism and conservation, inspiring others to value and protect Kenya's natural heritage. Through her role at FOMAWA, Lucinda brings a unique perspective on sustainable tourism and community-driven conservation efforts.

Titus Ngeno – Board Member, FOMAWA

Titus Ngeno is a strategic business leader with over 20 years of international experience driving sustainable growth, business development, and project execution across North America, Africa, and Asia. As Managing Partner at Savanna Global Advisors, he has led multi-million-dollar infrastructure, engineering, and environmental initiatives, partnering with governments, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to advance sustainability goals. His leadership at MFE Formwork spearheaded the company’s low-carbon, circular economy strategy, driving recycling targets and environmental compliance across 54 countries.

Titus brings board-level expertise in driving cross-functional collaboration, securing financing for green infrastructure, and aligning business strategy with environmental management frameworks. He is committed to delivering sustainable solutions that balance economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Mr. George Awalla – Chief Executive Officer, FOMAWA

George Awalla is an accomplished leader with over two decades of experience in finance, operations, and environmental conservation. Since his appointment as FOMAWA’s Chief Executive Officer in 2018, George has spearheaded the organization’s efforts in sustainable forestry conservation, watershed protection, and community empowerment.

Transitioning from a career in accounting to environmental advocacy, George combines his financial expertise with a passion for preserving natural resources. Under his leadership, FOMAWA has strengthened its impact on ecosystem restoration and community-based conservation initiatives, aligning organizational goals with global sustainability standards. His results-oriented approach ensures FOMAWA’s continued growth as a leader in environmental stewardship in Kenya.

These profiles highlight the leadership qualities and contributions of FOMAWA’s board and management team, emphasizing their commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.

Mr. Bernard Githaiga – Field Operations Officer, FOMAWA

With over 20 years of unwavering commitment to FOMAWA, Mr. Bernard Githaiga has been instrumental in driving the organization’s field operations, particularly in school-based projects, community outreach, and farmer partnerships. His leadership in coordinating the entire project lifecycle—ranging from land preparation and tree planting to monitoring and maintenance—has been central to FOMAWA’s success in promoting sustainable forestry practices.

Bernard excels at fostering collaboration between FOMAWA, local schools, and communities, cultivating a shared responsibility for conserving the Mau Indigenous Forest. Through his efforts, he raises awareness about the critical role of environmental preservation while empowering local communities to participate in sustainable forestry initiatives.