Our Team

Akchousanh Rasphone

TRUSTEE

I am a spatial landscape ecology and wildlife researcher and conservationist with extensive experience in Lao protected areas, most recently completing my PhD on interactions of felids and dhole.

Aloun Phonvisay

ECONOMIST & CONCESSIONS EXPERT - LAO PDR

I am a natural resource economist with over 20 years of experience in government, most recently with the National Institute for Economic Research. I believe that Asian Arks can support Laos' Green Growth Strategy.

Bounthavy Phommachanh

OFFICE MANAGER - LAO PDR

I have supported conservation organisations for the better part of my career and feel excited to be part of Asian Arks in Lao PDR. My strengths are navigating the administrative necessities of conservation.

Chanthasone Phommachanh “Olay”

PROGRAM COORDINATOR - LAO PDR

I am biodiversity survey specialist with extensive experience leading field-based biological monitoring teams in the forests of the Annamite range in Laos. I work with both Asian Arks and the Saola Working Group coordinating programs on the ground.

Hannah O'Kelly

CONSERVATION DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER

Like most conservationists, I sometimes feel the odds are just too stacked against us. Asian Arks is a solution, a light at the end of the tunnel, and through it I can keep on making conservation happen.

Paul Eshoo

CHIEF TECHNICAL ADVISOR - LAO PDR

With over two decades of experience developing innovative ecotourism programs in South-East Asia, my main area of expertise is in using tourism to create direct linkages with conservation.

Simon Hedges

CEO & CO-FOUNDER

After more than 30 years working on wildlife conservation projects, primarily in Asia, I decided that a new approach to conservation was needed in Asia and especially South-East Asia.

Somphone Bouasavanh

TECHNICAL ADVISOR - LAO PDR

I have worked as both a professor and a director of a major conservation INGO and am excited to develop a new alternative strategy in response to the biodiversity crisis we are facing in Laos.

Thong Eth Phayvah

SENIOR NATIONAL ADVISOR - LAO PDR

I have over 30 years experience working in government, both at local and central levels. I hope to use my experience to help develop the first Asian Arks program in Laos.

Troy Hansel

ADVISOR ON LAO PDR

I have worked in wildlife conservation in SE Asia since 1990, with expertise in conservation planning and monitoring, protected area management and capacity building.

Viengphet Phengsavath

ADMIN & ACCOUNTING - LAO PDR

I studied veterinary medicine in China for my Bachelor's Degree. After returning to Laos, I worked for IUCN/SSC’s Saola Working Group on species identification before joining Asian Arks.

Will Duckworth