IMEC is guided by a volunteer Board and supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who share a passion for responsible mountain tourism and the positive difference it can make.
Our Board brings together experience from across tourism, sustainability, community development, governance, business, technology, and international program management. Board members contribute their time, knowledge, and networks voluntarily to help guide IMEC’s mission and future direction.
Alongside the Board, IMEC is supported by volunteers who contribute their professional skills, experience, and time across different areas of the organization.
Together, these people form the community behind IMEC and help turn our mission into meaningful action.
Our Board
Melissa Foley, Board Chair
Over 20 years of corporate marketing experience, extensive world travel, and more than a decade of NGO consulting globally, she has a unique perspective on ethical travel. She has organically curated a diverse international network striving to benchmark meaningful social and environmental sustainability practices that are adaptable and relevant for the African tourism industry. Creating All About Africa Consulting was inspired by a simple philosophy that everyone in the tourism supply chain shares a collective obligation and economic opportunity to protect our communities, natural resources, and cultural traditions. Based in Cape Town, she represents a diverse portfolio sharing common values, including a certified auditor for Travelife, sustainability advisor for ATTA, WTM Africa, and several African tourism businesses, not-for-profits, associations, and organizations. Her true passion is facilitating the integration between various stakeholders to create lasting collaborations where transformational tourism can truly thrive.
Christine Minja-Trupin, Board Member
A Tanzanian citizen residing in Vermont, USA. Christine grew up on the slopes of Mountain Kilimanjaro. Her tradition was built on a belief that the Chagga people were Kilimanjaro’s (House of God) and on the knowledge that their wellbeing was tied to that of the mountain ecology. She clearly remembers when as a child, young and adult men in villages surrounding the mountain would take turns to engage in wildfire protection exercise. In recent years, however, these norms have disappeared with severe negative impact on the mountain ecosystem, the communities in particular. Christine remains closely connected to her community as a small coffee farmer. Since her retirement in 2018, she has been spending more time in Tanzania, supporting initiatives to improve the quality of life of the most vulnerable groups. She believes that to nurture this fragile ecosystem sustainably requires a mutually beneficial holistic approach.
Corne Schalkwyk, Board Member
Currently lives in South Africa, with more than 15 years of experience in senior roles within the travel industry, extensive world travel, and more than a decade of Ecotourism specific project management and product development. Corne has a unique perspective on ethical and immersive travel, having developed and managed training projects and product development for the industry and various role players. He has also won accolades such as the South African tourism award for product innovation as recently as 2024. “I have organically curated a diverse international network that includes all aspects and levels of the tourism industry:”. He also built up a stellar reputation within the field guiding industry while part of the management team as EcoTraining and its expansion into Africa. Corne currently heads up GVI’s global commercial strategy: This includes driving revenue growth, optimizing pricing and packages, as well as relationships with Industry, and expanding into new markets.
Myriam E. Seay, Board Member
Lives in the USA, has over 24 years of Military and Federal Service experience. “I currently oversee IT programs for the U.S. Air Force and have led personnel, business operations, contingency planning, and training”. She has advised Senior Executives, developed policies, and supported programs in acquisitions, contract administration, property management, and cybersecurity. Dr. Seay chairs committees dedicated to employee advocacy, operational efficiency, and fostering a positive workplace culture. A dedicated volunteer and mentor, she founded Eli’s Research, a nonprofit empowering young adults, veterans, and civil service employees. Myriam has received multiple awards, including the Spirit of Service and Civilian Achievement Medal.
Scott Dimetrosky, Founder & Board Member
Scott founded the International Mountain Explorers Connection (originally called the Himalayan Explorers Club) in 1996 after completing a six-month traverse of the entire Himalayan range, through Pakistan, India, and Nepal. Disturbed by the negative environmental and cultural impacts of tourism that he witnessed on this trip, Scott created IMEC, to minimize the deleterious effects of tourism on the fragile mountain environments and cultures. He designs and evaluates energy efficiency programs in the U.S. Scott has now returned to active service on the IMEC Board, bringing his long-standing connection to the organization, its history, and its mission.
Our Volunteers
Paula Bester (South Africa) brings experience in tourism operations, project management, governance, systems development, and responsible tourism to her volunteer work with IMEC. She supports the organization across strategic planning, program development, governance, financial planning, communications, and operational systems. With a background spanning travel, tourism, and nonprofit initiatives, Paula has a particular interest in turning strategy into practical systems that organizations can actually use. She enjoys bringing structure to complex projects, connecting the dots between people and processes, and helping organizations strengthen their governance and delivery. Through her work with IMEC, Paula supports the development of programs, policies, partnerships, budgets, communications, and organizational systems. She is especially passionate about responsible tourism that creates meaningful benefits for mountain communities while respecting local cultures and fragile environments.
Saskia de Rover, (The Netherlands) is a program manager with a background in environmental management, conservation, strategic advisory, and complex public-sector programs. Based in Alkmaar, she has worked across environmental consulting and government, managing complex initiatives ranging from harbor and airport development to international sports center projects. Saskia’s connection with Kilimanjaro began in 2022, when she and her family climbed the mountain. The experience, and the people they met along the way, left a lasting impression and strengthened her commitment to supporting the communities behind mountain tourism. Together with her family, Saskia established an NGO focused on creating educational opportunities for the children of Kilimanjaro’s porters, while also supporting women entrepreneurs and small businesses in Tanzania. As an IMEC volunteer, Saskia now contributes her experience and international network to fundraising and resource development, helping IMEC build support for its work and expand opportunities for positive impact in mountain communities.
Harry McLaren (UK), acquainted with KRTO when he was just 16 years old and living in Moshi, Tanzania, Harry later offered his emerging website development skills and has supported KRTO/IMEC over the last 18 years. As a Cybersecurity Consultant, Harry works alongside some of the largest companies in the UK and, in his personal time, several charities and NGOs across Scotland. Harry volunteers his services as IT/Website Support, develops and hosts the IMEC and KRTO websites, and provides any additional ad-hoc advice required.
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