The Tribune

ATTORNEY and compliance executive Cherise Cox-Nottage has been named the new chair of the Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL) Bahamas Chapter, heading a five-member executive committee focused on expanding leadership opportunities for women and girls.

The incoming committee was confirmed by acclamation on October 2, following an election process that opened on August 14.

Joining Ms Cox-Nottage are Atlantis chief legal officer Viana Gardiner as vice-chair, financial services professional Ralandra Taylor as coordinator and secretary, business strategist Monita Varence as public relations officer, and former Bahamas Power and Light executive chairman Darnell Osborne as treasurer.

Ms Cox-Nottage, who previously served as the chapter's deputy chair and secretary, said the new leadership team intends to build on the organisation's work while creating more opportunities for women and girls to develop leadership skills in the public and private sectors.

She is a senior legal and compliance executive overseeing legal and compliance teams for three entities within a Swiss banking group operating in The Bahamas and the Cayman Islands.

She is also a two-time former president of the Bahamas Association of Compliance Officers and has served on the boards of the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) and the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

Ms Gardiner brings approximately two decades of public-sector experience, including senior roles in trade and investment. At Atlantis, she oversees the legal, risk management, compliance and regulatory departments.

Ms Taylor has a background in compliance, risk management and organisational strategy, along with approximately 15 years of civic and community leadership experience.

Ms Varence, a CIWiL member since 2021, has experience in law, economics, communications and organisational leadership.

Mrs Osborne, a certified public accountant and former president of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants, previously served as executive chairman of Bahamas Power and Light and chief financial officer of Insurance Company of The Bahamas.

She is also the founder and chief executive officer of Citadel Consultants Ltd and currently serves as managing director of Family Fun Treats Ltd, which operates Dairy Queen in The Bahamas.

According to the organisation, the incoming executive committee will focus on strengthening engagement with members and partners, developing emerging young women leaders and expanding opportunities for women to participate in national development.

CIWiL Bahamas promotes women's leadership and participation in decision-making through advocacy, partnerships and development programmes.