27 May, 2014
Kate Smolski appointed CEO of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW
The Nature Conservation Council of NSW has announced that the organisation’s Campaigns Director, Kate Smolski, will take over as Chief Executive Officer.
“We are delighted to announce that after an extensive recruitment process we have appointed Kate Smolski, to lead the organisation from June 30,” Board Chairperson Professor Don White said.
“Kate is an experienced environmental advocate, and over the past two years as Campaigns Director has provided highly effective leadership for the protection of the state’s natural environment, delivering high-impact campaigns, building new alliances and growing our base of supporters.”
Ms Smolski has been a policy officer, campaigner and community organiser for several environmental organisations, including the US Climate Action Network, Greenpeace USA and the Sierra Club.
“It is a great honour to be given the opportunity to lead the state’s peak environment body,” Ms Smolski said.
“The Nature Conservation Council was established almost 60 years ago to provide a united voice for nature in New South Wales and continues to be an effective advocate for positive change.
“Today we represent more than 120 member groups and thousands of supporters who share our vision of a sustainable society where nature is respected and protected.
“We are continuing to campaign to protect our forests and oceans, control land clearing, and protect communities from unchecked coal and gas development.
“We are also working to find real-world solutions to environmental problems through our Sustainable Living Programs, which give people the knowledge and skills to reduce their environmental impact, and our Healthy Ecosystems Programs, which work with landholders and land managers to protect wildlife habitat.
“I am looking forward to working with our members and supporters to ensure the protection of nature and the rights of communities are high on the agenda of all political parties in the lead up to the next state election and beyond.”
Professor White said Ms Smolski’s appointment would build on the strong foundations laid by current Chief Executive Officer, Pepe Clarke, over the past four years.
“Under Pepe’s leadership NCC has experience sustained growth in membership, donors, supporters, staff and volunteers, and substantially increased its capacity to deliver effective campaigns and programs. We and wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” Professor White said.
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