Fellow-Led Board established with Four Fellows Appointed as New Directors

3 March 2025

The Edmund Hillary Fellowship (EHF) is delighted to announce a new EHF Fellow-led Board with the appointment of directors Anne-Marie Brook, Brad Leibov, Hana Maihi and Nathaniel Calhoun, all of whom are EHF Fellows.

Outgoing EHF Board Chair, Anna Kominik said that the transition to a new Fellow-led Board follows a comprehensive governance review, in which Fellows shared a desire to play a greater role shaping the direction of EHF.

“The establishment of this Fellow-led Board represents an exciting and positive milestone in the evolution of EHF. It reflects the Fellowship's commitment to ensuring that Fellows are at the heart of its governance and strategic direction.”

Ms Kominik, who announced the new directors and that she would be stepping down from the EHF Board at the recent 2025 Hillary Innovation Summit, adds:

“I want to congratulate and acknowledge Anne-Marie, Brad, Hana and Nathaniel for stepping into this governance role with such passion for and commitment to the Fellowship. The outgoing Board has every confidence in their governance skills, commitment to representing the diverse needs of the Fellowship, and breadth of vision as they chart the course for the next stage of the Fellowship.”

“I also want to recognise and thank my Board colleagues - past and present - and CEO Rosalie Nelson and the EHF team. It has been an honour to serve as Chair of the EHF Board for the past three years and I will continue to champion the power and potential of this amazing Fellowship.”

Introducing EHF’s New Fellow-led Board

Anne-Marie Brook is an economist, human rights expert, and entrepreneur with experience across the non-profit, for-profit, and public sectors. She co-founded the global non-profit, the Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI), building a global community, securing over $5 million in philanthropic funding, and leading the co-design of trusted global human rights data tools. A former senior economic adviser to governments, Anne-Marie brings expertise in systems change, governance, fundraising, and collaborative leadership approaches to the EHF Board. Anne-Marie has been a Fellow since 2017. She was part of the first cohort named Kawakawa.

Brad Leibov is a social impact leader building solutions that benefit both people and the planet. As CEO of EarthShare, he leads an organisation that has mobilised over USD$400 million to accelerate environmental progress. He brings extensive leadership experience from founding and leading several organisations. He currently serves as Chair of One Earth Philanthropy, and previously served as Co-Chair of Fresh Taste, Vice-Chair of Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders, and co-founded Funders for Regenerative Agriculture. Brad’s expertise in strategy, innovation, fundraising and environmental impact will be a valuable asset to the EHF Board. Brad has been a Fellow since 2020. He is part of the Fellow group Ngā Manu Titi Rere Ao, which had its EHF Welcome Experience in August 2022.

Hana Maihi (Ngā Oho, Te Uringutu, Te Taoū, Ngāti Pāoa, Tainui, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāi Te Rangi) is a multidisciplinary designer and impact leader in regenerative design, systems change, and climate justice. She is the founder of Te Ara Whatu, supporting indigenous youth participation in global climate forums like COP and grassroots environmental action, and is the Director of Te Oha, working at the intersection of the social sector, regenerative design, and impact investment. She is a  future director  of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa, a current trustee for Foundation North and The Gift Trust, and previously a trustee for Ōrākei Marae Komiti and Tuia Trust. Hana’s extensive governance experience across philanthropy, community development, and environmental stewardship will bring valuable leadership and strategic insight to the EHF Board. Hana has been a Fellow since 2019. She is part of cohort 5 named Karamū.

Nathaniel Calhoun is a leader in environmental technology, specialising in AI-driven biodiversity monitoring and valuation. As co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Bioverse, he focuses on making tropical forest conservation profitable for the people on the ground. He also advises Eco-Index in Aotearoa, helping to align biodiversity investments with measurable outcomes. Other projects focus on guiding boards and executives on integrating AI into general workflows and managing climate risks. His expertise in technology, ecosystems, and regenerative innovation will strengthen the EHF Board’s strategic vision. Nathaniel has been a Fellow since 2017. He was part of the first cohort named Kawakawa.

Notes

The new director appointments took effect 1 March 2025, with Ms Kominik and her fellow director resigning from the EHF Board as of 1 April 2025, and current director Andrew Hoppin, also a Fellow, staying on to support the incoming directors during the transition. 

A new Board Chair will be confirmed during March.