The Australian Conservation Foundation has announced the appointment of three new members to its Board, strengthening the organisation's leadership as it prepares to embark on an ambitious new strategic plan.
Joining the ACF Board are Hayley Conway, Susanne Legena and Gautam Raju, leaders with deep expertise spanning movement building, advocacy, communications, international development and gender equality. All share a deep commitment to nature and fighting climate change.
ACF President Ros Harvey said the appointments reflected ACF's commitment to bold leadership, diversity of experience and fresh thinking at a critical time for climate and nature action.
"ACF is entering an exciting new chapter, with a strong strategic vision for how we grow our impact and help drive the change Australia urgently needs," Ms Harvey said.
"Hayley, Susanne and Gautam each bring outstanding leadership experience, sharp strategic insight and a deep commitment to creating a fairer, safer and more sustainable future.
"Their perspectives and expertise will strengthen our Board and help ensure ACF continues to build a powerful, inclusive movement for nature and climate action."
The appointments come as ACF prepares to launch a new strategic plan from July, focused on building the public and political momentum needed to protect nature, accelerate climate action and create a healthier future for all Australians.
Gautam Raju is a campaigner and political strategist with more than 15 years' experience across government relations, movement building and systems change in Australia and internationally.
"I'm thrilled to be joining the ACF Board at a time when the climate and nature movement needs to work harder than ever to cut through. With political and economic pressures pulling attention elsewhere, the work of building and sustaining a powerful movement has never been more important."
Susanne Legena is Chief Executive Officer of Plan International Australia and a widely respected leader in global social change, with expertise spanning climate justice, gender equality and international development. She also serves as Chair of the Emergency Action Alliance and as a Board Director for CommUnity Plus.
"ACF has a powerful new strategy, inspiring leadership, and an unprecedented opportunity to shape Australia's response to the climate and nature crisis. I'm honoured to join the Board at such a pivotal moment and look forward to helping grow the movement and build the political conditions for lasting environmental change."
Hayley Conway is the CEO of Pride Cup. Prior to this, Hayley held a range of roles across the federal parliament, for-purpose and private sectors specialising in communications and campaigns. She has served on the board of Equality Australia for the past five years, before which she was a director of the Green Institute. She holds a Masters with Distinction from RMIT, is a 2022 Leadership Victoria Williamson Fellow and served as a volunteer firefighter with the Victorian Country Fire Authority for several years.
"I'm hugely excited to join the Australian Conservation Foundation at a critical moment for people and the planet. ACF is a crucial part of tackling the challenges that threaten how we want to live, protect, and enjoy this precious country. I look forward to adding my voice, skills, and experience to an organisation doing important work to strengthen our collective fight against the crises of our time," Ms Conway said.
Image: Blue pincushion daisies by Brendan Sydes
