Kelly

Senior Policy Analyst

Meet Kelly, who has been an integral part of our team since 2014. Her expertise is strongest at the intersection of climate and land-use, two of our favorite topics!

Kelly started with ActionAid USA as a policy analyst for biofuels, but she quickly transitioned to climate advocacy, representing us at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) during the Paris Agreement negotiations. It wasn't long before she realized that climate advocacy was her true calling. Kelly’s climate advocacy work has focused on both the UNFCCC negotiations and the U.S. government, specifically on net-zero greenwashing, bioenergy, and ambition implications of climate action. She’s also worked extensively on climate finance, equity, and market mechanisms.

Since 2022, Kelly has served as Network Coordinator for the Climate Land Ambition and Rights Alliance (CLARA). CLARA is an international network of organizations and individuals working in forests, agriculture, and human rights. While the network primarily focuses on advocating at the UNFCCC, it also serves as a vital bridge between international policy spaces and frontline members and partners. Kelly often represents ActionAid in various coalition spaces. She’s an active member of the U.S. Climate Action Network, where she currently serves as a co-chair of the International Policy Working Group.

Before joining ActionAid USA, Kelly worked for a Member of Congress on issues surrounding food security and development. She holds a BA in Political Science from DePauw University and an MSc in Global Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. When not working, Kelly enjoys movies/TV, crafting, and walking her dog, Penny. She lives in Virginia with her husband and daughter.