Jason brings over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience to the advisory council. He has a long-standing history of supporting the Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development (CICBD) and numerous startups and founders, demonstrating a strong commitment to the local community. He is a visionary entrepreneur, strategic investor, and seasoned advisor dedicated to empowering innovative founders to develop transformative businesses. His focus is on fostering global impact, driving innovation, and contributing to a more sustainable future. His dedication extends to supporting organisations within the community such as the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association of Cayman, the Cayman Motoring Federation, the Cayman Flying Club, and Rainforest Partnership where he currently sits on their committees.
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Michael brings over seven years of experience to the advisory council. He is a holder of a CPA designation and a Bachelor's degree. His primary focus is on enhancing the knowledge and business/financial acumen of entrepreneurs. He holds the belief that providing business owners with the right financial knowledge will empower them to take a more proactive and constructive approach to navigating the complexities of the business world, ultimately leading to improved decision-making.
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Craig brings 35 years of extensive experience to the advisory council as a CPA holder and former CFO, COO, and partner of a real estate investment company in Chicago, which he helped establish in 1994. His successful career as an entrepreneur and executive was significantly shaped by the guidance of knowledgeable mentors, partners, and advisors. Inspired by this support, Craig is deeply motivated to give back to the community by mentoring others in their business and personal endeavors. Currently serving as the Senior Advisor to the company he co-founded, he actively mentors the COO and CFO of GEM Realty Capital. Craig also supports organisations such as the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, Bernie’s Book Bank National Board, and the Morgante Wilson Foundation.
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Gabriella brings over nine years of diverse experience, underpinned by a Master of Science (MSc) in Public Policy and Management from SOAS University of London and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Buckingham. Her commitment to continuous learning is evident through ongoing certifications such as the GRI Sustainability Professional Certification, as well as specialisations in Creativity and Artificial Intelligence from Parsons School of Design and ESG Risks and Opportunities from Wharton. Gabriella also holds certifications in Digital Marketing and E-commerce, Project Management, and User Interface Design. Her past professional experiences include leading community and communication efforts for Sustainable Ventures, a prominent sustainable startup ecosystem, and participating in the Entrepreneur in Residence programs at Demium and Lanzadera. As a co-founder of a startup, she possesses first hand experience in all aspects of business development, from fundraising to scaling. Currently serving as the Head of Communications at Metta, Gabriella supports startups and SMEs globally, assisting them in optimising their businesses, securing funding, and creating jobs. Her work also involves collaborating with government and corporate partners to build thriving innovation ecosystems. Driven by a desire to support Caymanian entrepreneurs and contribute to the development of a collaborative ecosystem within the Cayman Islands, Gabriella also has a background in law and policy, coupled with strong skills in creative strategy, sustainability, project management, and entrepreneurial insight.
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Vlad brings over 25 years of experience across the full technology spectrum, including project management, software development, and strategic planning. His career spans executive roles in both the U.S. and the Cayman Islands, where he has worked with large institutions and diverse organizations at various stages of growth. Over the past six years, he has specialized in entity governance, with a strong focus on cybersecurity, risk and regulatory compliance for small businesses and micro-enterprises.
An active participant in multiple startups Vlad is deeply passionate about supporting the small business ecosystem in the Cayman Islands. He is dedicated to sharing his expertise through tailored strategies, training, and business continuity initiatives that help microenterprises thrive. Vlad currently serves on the board of Digital Cayman and the newly formed Cayman Islands National Cyber Security Association.
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David brings 17 years of extensive experience to the advisory council, holding credentials as a CPA, ARM-E, Fund Director, Managing Director of Corporate Services, and Notary Public. His background includes significant experience in Captive Insurance Management, as well as being a Business Founder and Serial Investor with strong quantitative abilities. David possesses a comprehensive skill set encompassing the preparation of business plans, financial projections, Trade and Business License (TBL) applications and renewals, CIMA license applications, software integration, business financing, legal review, real estate, strata management, bookkeeping and accounting. He is also proficient in website design and development, utilising AI, and content creation. With both a Bachelor's and Master's in Accounting from Michigan State University, David has a vast knowledge of key business requirements and best practices within the Cayman Islands, including the TBLA, Companies Act, Immigration, Pension/Labour laws, Private Funds Law, Mutual Funds Law, Companies Management Act, and AML Regulations. As a CIMA licensed executive director, he has a proven track record of improving and managing multiple local companies. David's motivation for joining the council stems from a desire to increase his visibility within the local business community and to assist new and young entrepreneurs in continuing the tradition of innovation within the Cayman Islands. He aims to guide entrepreneurs in establishing their businesses on a solid foundation across all critical areas, including financial management, risk management, legal aspects, technology, and compliance.
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Rita is passionate about helping her clients grow and develop. Her effervescent personality, positive outlook, and easy conversation put people at ease. A keen listener, she is enthusiastic about making new connections and is fulfilled by assisting others in achieving success. Rita joined CaymanHR as a consultant in April 2021 and provides support to various clients, assisting them to reform their operations and support their business by providing intuitive guidance on people related matters and strategic solutions. Rita is also a Corporate Trainer and Qualified Emotional Intelligence Coach.
Rita studied Marketing Management in South Africa and has held various business roles in the UK, including Site Manager at a large manufacturing plant. She managed 200 staff members, handling HR functions such as contracts, payroll, training, and recruitment. Rita is also a volunteer member of the Community Emergency Response Team of the Cayman Islands.
Outside of work, Rita has gained valuable life experience as a proud mum of two golfers who have represented the Cayman Islands. She understands the importance of time management, emotional support, and patience while striving to be a positive influence.
Since moving to the Cayman Islands in 2015, Rita has volunteered for local charities, assisted at Taste of Cayman as a Senior Volunteer, and acted as the Event Coordinator for the Cayman Islands National Festival, Pirates Week. She champions the importance of protecting the heritage and culture of the islands.
Rita believes in the strength of body and mind, and that health and mindfulness are key to a balanced and content lifestyle. She is fluent in Afrikaans, enjoys pickleball, and practices yoga regularly.
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Mr. Sutherland is an experienced business and technology builder focused on operations, go to market and fundraising with emerging teams. With experience as a founder, early-stage COO, Director and Advisor, he maximizes leverage for technical and vertical SME leadership - and has experience from company formation through to multiple successful acquisitions, and public company growth. Mr. Sutherland's experiences span hospitality, healthcare, supply chain, finance, gaming, and deep tech, complemented by an MBA specializing in sustainability. He supports both domestic and international endeavors, with global experience in the Cayman Islands, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand.
Within the small business landscape, Mr. Sutherland is a resource for establishing efficient early functions (HR, legal, finance, sales, etc.) and building and executing business strategies - including establishing product market fit, B2B market entry and fundraising.
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Melesia Adderley is a multi-award-winning Caymanian entrepreneur, strategist, and founder of Women’s Haven® — the first female Caribbean-owned organic feminine care brand of its kind, trademarked across multiple countries and available in over 100 retail stores across 15 countries. With more than a decade of entrepreneurial experience — including eight years building a product-based brand from the ground up with no external investors — she has become a leading advocate for entrepreneurship, regional trade, and women’s health & wellness.
Melesia holds a Master of Science in Organizational Learning and Leadership (4.0 GPA), a Bachelor of Science in Economics with Business (with minors in Psychology and Science & Technology), and professional certifications as a Certified Blockchain Solution Architect and a Certified Menstrual Health Coach. She is a SheTrades Caribbean Go & Grow grant awardee, a CARICOM HERizon finalist, and the recipient of numerous national and international recognitions — including Entrepreneur of the Year by the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards and a National Heroes Day nomination under the theme Icons of Business & Entrepreneurship – Innovator of Impact.
Melesia has a strong background in organizational leadership, supply chain logistics, manufacturing, and grassroots brand development. She is a former member of the Business Staffing Plan Board and currently serves as a Director of the Cayman Islands Small Business Association (CISBA). Melesia provides strategic guidance to aspiring and established entrepreneurs, helping them launch, scale, and structure sustainable businesses. Her mission is rooted in helping purpose-driven founders turn vision into value and build generational legacies through entrepreneurship. She is also a proud wife and homeschooling mother of four.
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Patrick Noel Daly is an award-winning international entrepreneur, inventor, and founder with over 20 years of hands-on experience building, commercialising, and scaling ventures across Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. He founded his first business as a teenager, and has since mentored founders at multiple stages, with a focus on practical execution, resilience, and ethical business building. He is also the author of business books, including Every Kind of Lean: A Practical Playbook for Founders Who Want to Build, Survive, and Scale, and has written two children’s books designed to help young children develop problem-solving skills, empathy, and a mindset of helping others—planting early seeds for entrepreneurship and positive contribution in society. Since successfully exiting his most recent business in 2020, Patrick has focused on mentoring founders, writing, and preparing the launch of global entrepreneurship academies aimed at translating experience into practical pathways for the next generation.