We’re excited to welcome and introduce Ellen O’Connell, our new Chief Government Officer, to the Farm Sanctuary household.
O’Connell joined the crew in July 2022 as our Interim CEO, bringing a wealth of management expertise and deep ardour for our trigger. For 35 years, she has led and consulted for nonprofit organizations globally within the improvement, poverty, power entry, local weather change, and wildlife conservation sectors. In 2014, whereas engaged on a mission involving ivory trafficked out of Congo, she was recruited to be the Government Director of Tusk USA, the place she oversaw conservation initiatives in 20 African international locations.
O’Connell’s 15 years as a Vice President on the Worldwide Rescue Committee (IRC), a humanitarian support group that works with refugees worldwide, led to significant impacts in over 45 international locations and took her to warzones and battle areas — from Afghanistan to East Timor to Sudan. On the Covenant Home in New York, she oversaw a shelter for over 10,000 homeless youth, combating despair with a spirit of resilience and hope. Her inclusive strategy will assist construct a wholesome and collaborative tradition and drive mission impacts at Farm Sanctuary.
“I’ve been impressed and energized to work with Ellen these previous six months as she served as Interim CEO of Farm Sanctuary,” stated Gene Baur, Farm Sanctuary’s President and Co-founder. “Ellen brings a singular set of worthwhile abilities that may assist Farm Sanctuary successfully pursue daring options to finish animal agriculture and thoughtfully advance our mission via rescue, training, and advocacy efforts. We’ve wonderful alternatives earlier than us, and I’m very enthusiastic about what’s to return.”
O’Connell earned her B.A. in English from Georgetown College, a grasp’s diploma in Public Administration from the Wagner College of Public Service, NYU, and a second grasp’s diploma in Anthropology from the New College for Social Analysis. Ellen lives in New York Metropolis along with her daughter Kate, her accomplice Mat, and canines Goose, Homer, and Mr. Peabody.
“All through my profession, I’ve witnessed among the worst that humankind can do to animals and one another, in addition to among the greatest – the place spirit, resilience, and hope triumphed over despair and horror,” O’Connell stated. “Farm Sanctuary embodies hope and compassion, and I’m really grateful for the chance to function the CEO of this unimaginable group alongside such a passionate and proficient crew. It’s my hope that the subsequent few years will deliver vital change for the billions of animals that suffer from the cruelty of animal agriculture and that collectively, we can assist affect the event of more healthy meals programs that nourish folks and the planet.”