Ms Kelly O’Shanassy

Kelly O’Shanassy is a sustainability leader and the Chief Executive of the Australian Conservation Foundation. She is experienced in executive roles in business, government and the community sector.

Kelly’s environmental achievements include the establishment of world-first environment protection policies; saving water and boosting recycling; stopping new coal mines and starting renewable energy; safeguarding Australia’s rivers and forests; cutting waste and partnering with Indigenous communities to drive cultural and conservation outcomes.

Believing strongly in the power of people to advocate for a better future, Kelly is focused on growing the number and diversity of people who speak up and take action for our rivers, reefs, forests and wildlife.

She has a track record of building people power to advocate for a better future. She is also respected for her work in helping business leaders advocate for a modern and sustainable economy, culminating in Kelly being recognised amongst the top 100 business women in Australia in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards, and receiving the coveted Eureka Award in 2011 for communicating climate change.

Kelly has advised several business organisations on their journey towards sustainability, created The Future Economy Group in partnership with CEOs of responsible businesses and instigated the Leadership Forum of eminent Australians to speak up for a clean energy future. Kelly has chaired environment and community committees for government and has been on advisory boards across the business, government and university sectors.

Kelly completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) at Monash University. When not advocating for nature, you can find her kayaking along Australia’s rivers.