Chief of Staff, President of Africa
Nellie Simmons works as the Chief of Staff for the Africa Region under Lydia Saloucou. Nellie joined Pathfinder in 2018, starting out in HR as part of the recruiting team. Eventually, Nellie would shift their skillset to become the executive assistant to the Chief Operating Officer, Anne Scott, and later to the Chief of Country and Program Strategy, Murtala Mai.
During the shift to the Country-Led Strategy, Nellie has been an integral part of ensuring people, systems, and processes transition from a “headquarters” style operation to a more country-led, country-owned way of operating.
Prior to Pathfinder, Nellie worked in social media freelance, and high-end equestrian accessory sales. Outside of the office, Nellie enjoys long distance running, hiking and trekking, Formula 1, and advocating for the SOGIESC community.