Jolene Shaw was appointed as General Manager in 2023.

Jolene’s fifteen-year career demonstrates her natural acumen for leadership, with experience in both the private and public sector environments. Her credentials include roles such as Manager of Research, Planning and Reporting at the construction SETA, Economic Development Manager at Aurora Wind Power and Socio-Economic Development Consultant at Tshikululu Social Investments. Jolene also held the Head of Research and Advisory position at Knowledge Pele before being appointed General Manager in 2023.

Jolene’s current responsibilities include overseeing the operations of Knowledge Pele. She plays a vital role in ensuring its development programmes are implemented to achieve the most impact for the participants and communities they serve while providing social and financial returns. Jolene is also at the forefront of expanding Knowledge Pele's pipeline of development projects, focusing on prioritising community self-sufficiency.

Jolene supports the need to work collaboratively to rethink community ecosystems. By focusing on energy assets, skills development, growing and introducing employment and creating industry, the goal of realigning the future of the livelihoods of disadvantaged communities can be met. Jolene’s ethos is driven by the premise that her life's work should always be in striving for a world where people are given the opportunity to live fulfilling and joyful lives.

Jolene holds a Bachelor's Degree in Development Studies, a Bachelor's Honours in Development Studies, and a Master's in Public Administration and is currently studying towards a Master of Management in Innovation Studies. She was also the proud recipient of the Mail & Guardian 200 Young 2017 and the Youth Service and Excellence Award from the Gauteng Premier's Office in 2018.