GILLIO BAXTER
Port Vila,SEE
Summary
Dynamic executive leader with extensive hands-on experience as an Executive Director, adept at navigating complex challenges and driving impactful initiatives. Recognized for a proactive approach to problem-solving, adaptability, and a results-oriented mindset that fosters creativity and innovation. Committed to advancing organizational goals through strategic vision and governance expertise while enhancing collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Proven ability to improve organizational outcomes by aligning initiatives with evolving business needs and delivering meaningful contributions.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Board Member - LGBTI/ Transwoman Rep
Pacific Islands Regional Muliti Country Coordinating Merchanism (PIRMCCM) - HIV/ Malaria/ Tuberculosis - Global Fund Health Program
04.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented forward-thinking approaches to optimize resource allocation and enhance strategic planning for LGBTI/trans health services.
- Oversaw strategic community outreach efforts through committee leadership, fostering improved public relations and corporate social responsibility engagement.
- Identified and evaluated organizational risks, delivering insights for executive-level strategies to mitigate stigma and discrimination in healthcare services in the Pacific Region.
- Developed and advocated for transformative solutions to advance the organization's mission and strengthen regional trans health efforts.
- Crafted and deployed detailed strategic frameworks to promote growth, profitability, and enduring success within the trans health sector in the Pacific region.
- Implemented initiatives to promote accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior throughout the organization and the Pacific region.
Executive Director
VPride Organization
05.2017 - Current
- Achieved significant advancements in LGBTI rights and feminist values across Vanuatu and the Pacific region through strategic leadership. Fostered collaboration with local organizations to elevate marginalized voices within communities. Developed transformative initiatives that resonated with diverse cultural dynamics.
- Achieved enhanced organizational efficiency through process optimization and resource allocation strategies. Established groundwork for sustainable growth, allowing for increased impact while preserving financial integrity. Managed daily operations to uphold financial stewardship and regulatory compliance.
- Directed the development of strategic partnerships with government entities, NGOs, and community leaders. Championed advocacy initiatives by leveraging these relationships to facilitate policy discussions. Strengthened program impact through a robust network of collaborative support.
- Cultivated an inclusive and equitable workplace culture by leading a diverse team of staff and volunteers. Mentored individuals from different backgrounds to enhance collaboration and innovation. Strengthened team cohesion and commitment through a supportive approach.
- Influenced public opinion and legislative outcomes through strategic advocacy efforts focused on systemic inequalities and marginalized communities.
- Developed rigorous evaluation processes to demonstrate measurable outcomes and ensure accountability to stakeholders and funders.
- Elevated organization’s profile through strategic representation at international conferences and community forums. Achieved increased visibility and support for initiatives, solidifying organization’s role as a leading advocate for equality and human rights across the Pacific.
- Engineered a robust advocacy initiative that fortified LGBTI rights and feminism, laying the groundwork for ongoing regional development.
- Supported the development of strategies to increase participation in educational activities.
- Facilitated the expansion of support for members of the Commonwealth Equality Network (TCEN) through the Intersectionality Grant from Kaleidoscope Trust UK, enhancing regional outreach.
- Collaborated with Urgent Action Fund Asia and the Pacific to provide strategic advice on grant-making and enhance due diligence processes.
- Collaborated with queer and feminist movements, including Frida Young Women Feminist Fund, to enhance grant-making strategies.
Public Relations Officer & Advisory Rep
VPride Organization
07.2013 - 05.2017
- Achieved increased community engagement through the successful coordination of outreach activities for Vpride, addressing STIs, HIV, reproductive health, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, human rights, and gender resilience. Fostered a supportive environment for discussions on sexuality and gender issues, resulting in heightened awareness and resource accessibility. Delivered impactful events that educated community members on critical health and social topics.
- Collaborated on the creation and dissemination of Asia Pacific Trans Health Blueprint 2015 to enhance regional health initiatives.
- Coordinated general meetings for members and organized executive meetings to facilitate communication and collaboration among teams.
- Enhanced team collaboration through effective distribution of meeting agendas and invitations.
- Facilitated meetings and collaborated with secretary to document minutes.
- Drove impactful discussions in executive meetings by presenting innovative strategies for community engagement and awareness. Identified key locations for community visits to maximize outreach effectiveness.
- Analyzed data from awareness outreach efforts and presented findings during team meeting to inform strategic decisions.
- Collaborated with members and executives to formulate and refine strategic direction for the organization.
- Increased audience engagement by delivering timely updates on Vpride news and events across social media channels including Facebook and WordPress. Achieved effective outreach through targeted Mailchimp campaigns, enhancing community participation and awareness of Vpride initiatives.
- Developed and managed comprehensive plans for events and fundraising efforts, ensuring successful outcomes and participant satisfaction.
- Promoted Vpride's initiatives at Pacific Sexual Diversity Network (PSDN) to enhance visibility and support for LGBT communities across the Pacific.
- Led strategic initiatives to advance the wellbeing of LGBT individuals in Vanuatu, focusing on health, empowerment, and economic growth. Developed comprehensive programs to mitigate risks faced by key affected populations within the LGBT community. Championed efforts to strengthen support systems for LGBT individuals, driving positive change in health and economic sectors.
- Crafted and deployed strategic public relations campaigns to strengthen organizational presence and foster community relationships.
- Developed and executed media relations strategies to enhance brand visibility through press releases and proactive engagement with journalists and influencers.
- Executed strategic public events and campaigns that elevated advocacy initiatives, driving increased community involvement and awareness.
- Supervised development of promotional materials, focusing on alignment with branding standards and clarity in key message delivery.
- Analyzed outreach activities through systematic feedback collection, driving improvements in stakeholder engagement outcomes.
- Orchestrated crisis communication strategies by developing prompt statements and coordinating media interactions to uphold organizational integrity during critical events.
- Provided mentorship and training to junior staff, emphasizing best practices in public relations to cultivate a supportive and growth-oriented workplace.
- Developed and implemented social media strategies to connect with audiences and promote community involvement through targeted content.
- Collaborated in the design of marketing strategies to elevate public awareness and strengthen customer engagement.
- Crafted and implemented targeted campaigns to elevate brand recognition and actively engage customer base.
- Implemented social media strategies to establish a unified online brand presence.
- Designed and implemented media relations initiatives aimed at increasing community knowledge of brand values.
- Coordinated successful press events aimed at enhancing visibility for new product launches and key announcements.
- Conducted thorough analysis of media coverage, identifying trends and advising on strategic direction.
- Achieved high-quality visual and audio content through effective photo and video production. Enhanced project deliverables by executing precise visual and sound editing tasks.
- Achieved improved health outcomes for LGBT individuals through targeted empowerment programs. Drove economic initiatives that enhanced the wellbeing of key affected populations. Established a supportive framework for vulnerable communities in Vanuatu.
ACTOR
Wan Smol Bag Theatre
07.2009 - 12.2014
- Presented compelling narratives to highlight the importance of addressing stigma and discrimination against sexual orientation and gender diversity and expression (SOGIE) individuals.
- Championed initiatives that enhanced community engagement and fostered a deeper understanding of diversity, equality, and inclusion in Vanuatu.
- Facilitated initiatives to enhance understanding and acceptance of SOGIE individuals, fostering a more inclusive environment.
- Managed filming schedule for series, ensuring completion between July and December.
Marketing & Promotions Manager
Rumours Nightclub & Shakers Café and Nightclub
12.2009 - 12.2013
- Managed promotional activities and advertising efforts to drive club participation and awareness.
- Analyzed weekly trading results to enhance performance and optimize strategies.
- Assisted in organizing theme nights and events. Collaborated with alcohol distribution companies to secure discounted purchasing options for parties.
- Collaborated with community groups and sports teams to host events at nightclubs, driving fundraising efforts for their associations.
- Achieved high levels of customer satisfaction by creating enjoyable clubbing experiences. Enhanced safety protocols to ensure guest well-being. Cultivated a vibrant atmosphere that encouraged repeat patronage.
- Coordinated communication with bartenders, DJs, and head of security, delivering essential information regarding promotions and event logistics.
- Coordinated meeting agendas and ensured timely communication among management team members.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Law And Social Work
University of The South Pacific
Port Vila12.2027
Youth Work Certificate IV - undefined
Australian Pacific Technical College
06.2016
Skills
- Skilled in Microsoft Office tools
- ClickUp proficiency
- Experienced in Canva graphics
- Proposal creation for funding opportunities
- Team leadership
- Project coordination
- Cultivating collaborative relationships
- Digital search proficiency
- Organizational strategy development
- Financial planning
- Board collaboration
- Effective grant proposal collaboration
Timeline
Executive Board Member - LGBTI/ Transwoman Rep
Pacific Islands Regional Muliti Country Coordinating Merchanism (PIRMCCM) - HIV/ Malaria/ Tuberculosis - Global Fund Health Program
04.2025 - Current
Executive Director
VPride Organization
05.2017 - Current
Public Relations Officer & Advisory Rep
VPride Organization
07.2013 - 05.2017
Marketing & Promotions Manager
Rumours Nightclub & Shakers Café and Nightclub
12.2009 - 12.2013
ACTOR
Wan Smol Bag Theatre
07.2009 - 12.2014
Youth Work Certificate IV - undefined
Australian Pacific Technical College
Bachelor of Arts - Law And Social Work
University of The South Pacific
Community Service & Volunteer Work
- Love Patrol 5 Launch & Voluntary Work, Suva, Fiji Islands, 2013-03, 2013-04
- Love Patrol 4 Launch & Voluntary Work, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 2012-03, 2012-03
WORK HISTORY
Building capacity in key regional HIV partners to implement results-based programs
OTHER EXPERIENCES
- Australian Award Fellowship, La Trobe University & UNSW, Building capacity in key regional HIV partners to implement results-based programs, 07/11/14, 08/06/14
- Communications Training, Auckland, New Zealand, 10/06/13, 10/10/13
- Love Patrol 5 Launch & Voluntary Work, Suva, Fiji Islands, 03/22/13, 04/02/13
- Pacific Sexual Diversity Network (PSDN) Meeting & Human Rights Training, Auckland, New Zealand, 08/12/12, 08/16/12
- World Aids Conference, Washington DC, USA, 07/18/12, 07/30/12
- Love Patrol 4 Launch & Voluntary Work, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 03/05/12, 03/09/12
- Adolescence Health Development Conference, Novotel Nadi, Fiji Islands, 11/22/09, 12/05/09
References
- Joleen, Brown Mateele, Interim Chair, joleenm10@gmail.com, Pacific Sexual & Gender Diversity Network
- Ludo Bok, Programs Manager, ludo.bok@undp.org, UNDP Global Fund Health Program
- Shirley Tokon, Director General, stokon@vanuatu.gov.vu, Ministry of Health Vanuatu