The world of nonprofit organizations is tough. There is always competition for resources; the policy landscape can change in the blink of an eye; public interest can wax and wane. To mitigate these headwinds, stay true to the mission, deliver impact, and build lasting trust, requires a great team – and a great leader.
Angela Grimes more than meets the criteria. Her loyalty to Born Free and its values is without question. Her compassion for the animals and her work colleagues, beyond compare. And her style of leadership – warm, friendly, fair, and firm – has been one of the defining factors in Born Free’s growth and increased professionalism, year on year.
As a CEO of many years standing, I know how lonely it can be at the top. To sustain your enthusiasm and passion, and bring solutions to the problems faced by wild animals in need, requires a certain degree of self-reliance. Having worked alongside Angela for many years, through thick and thin, I can attest to her inner strength and resolute personality – exactly the qualities that mean Born Free USA punches far above its weight. The charity she leads is a powerful voice and a mighty advocate, standing at the forefront of issues such as captive wild animal abuse, the exploitation of wild animals in circuses, zoos, as exotic “pets,” and the international wildlife trade, and in delivering outstanding results in the field, particularly in the development of capacity and enforcement-delivery across much of West and Central Africa.
This year – 2025 – marks the 15th anniversary of Angela’s tenure at Born Free USA. It is an anniversary to celebrate as Born Free USA embarks on the latest chapter of its development under her leadership, We are fortunate to have her – and the wild animals we serve are fortunate to have such a powerful and influential champion in Born Free USA.
“Angela is the kind of person you want in your corner. In the 12 years I’ve had the pleasure of working with her, I’ve seen her transition from leading a fundraising team to becoming CEO of an organization. Thanks to her hard work and skill, Born Free USA is thriving and impactful – a workplace where the staff are empowered and where the principles of compassion and respect for animals are always the north star. Angela demonstrates strong, steady, and kind leadership that serves as an inspirational model for how to run a nonprofit, and as a result has earned deep loyalty from her staff and from those who work closely with her. Her job is difficult, busy, and stressful, but she is infinitely generous with her time when it will help the people and animals she cares about. She also tells it like it is, and I rely on her honesty (and humor) when I turn to her for advice. Congratulations to Angela for 15 amazing years at Born Free, and here’s to another 15!”
– Kate Dylewsky, Assistant Director, Government Affairs at Animal Welfare Institute
“Angela has supported the Born Free USA Africa Policy and Capacity Building Program – now Born Free USA Global Conservation Program – since we first launched it in 2015. Her ability to show flexibility and support to me and my team in difficult circumstances – including a kidnapping alert, the eruption of political coups, the sudden disappearance of our largest donor and multiple government shut-downs – has made a true difference for our work. Her passion to protect wildlife and her desire to support West African leaders and enforcement officers has remained steady allowing Born Free USA to make a significant impact for wildlife in the region. Angela leads with compassion and is more driven by impact than by personal glory which is the sign of a great leader.”
– Alice Stroud, Director of Global Conservation Projects at Born Free USA
“I have had the privilege of working alongside Angela since 2018. With her support and leadership, we have taken significant strides in building and updating infrastructure at our sanctuary for rescued primates which, in turn, has allowed us to provide outstanding care to our residents and continue to rescue monkeys in need. Angela also leads our vital advocacy work; fighting to end exploitation of wild animals and working to build a better future for them. Focused, strategic, and collaborative in her approach, and with a deep commitment to supporting the professional growth of her team, Angela makes us better – as an organization and as individuals.”
– Dr. Liz Tyson, Director of Animal Welfare and Advocacy at Born Free USA
“I have had the privilege of working with Angela for ten years, and during that time, she has become a role model for me as a compassionate, effective leader. Angela is able to balance empathy, generosity, and optimism with determination, pragmatism, and humor. I’ve seen firsthand how Born Free has flourished under this unique combination, both as an organization and in the execution of its mission to protect wildlife around the world. I’m honored both to know her and work with her.”
– Jennifer Place, Vice-President at Tai Ginsberg & Associates
“Angela is an angel – a guardian angel whose passion, devotion, kindness, and spirit help Born Free thrive. It’s a joy to work with her.”
– Sean Cassidy, Board Chair at Born Free USA
Please join us in wishing Angela a very happy 15th anniversary!
Keep Wildlife in the Wild,
Will Travers OBE
Born Free USA Co-Founder and Board Member
Dear Reader,
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Thank You,
The Born Free USA Team
Dear Reader,