The Wilderness Society today announced the appointment of Dr. Kirsty Howey as its new Chief Executive Officer, commencing 31 August 2026.
Dr. Howey is an environmentalist and strategist with more than two decades of experience driving policy, campaigns and real change for nature across Australia. Since 2020, she has served as Executive Director of the Environment Centre NT, the Northern Territory’s peak conservation organisation, leading campaigns against mass fossil fuel expansion, deforestation and the destruction of some of Australia’s most extraordinary rivers and ecosystems.
Before taking the ECNT helm, Dr. Howey built her career as a leading native title and land rights lawyer. She holds a doctorate exploring the intersection of environment, extractive development and First Nations rights in northern Australia, and is an established author.
The appointment comes as the Wilderness Society marks 50 years of advocacy amid escalating pressure on Australia’s environment and intensifying climate impacts nationwide.
Wilderness Society Board Convenor Amanda Branley said, “The Wilderness Society has spent 50 years fighting for Australia’s wild places, and the next 50 will demand the same courage and resolve. Kirsty Howey is exactly the leader we need for that fight. I’m delighted to welcome her as our new CEO and look forward to the impact she will make.”
Incoming CEO Dr. Kirsty Howey said:
“I’m truly honoured to help steward one of Australia’s most iconic and important environment organisations at such a pivotal moment for nature. Australia has the most spectacular and unique natural landscapes on Earth, but they’re at risk like never before.
“I’ll bring to this role courage and a deep commitment to working alongside grass-roots communities, members, supporters and staff to build a movement powerful enough to protect the places we cherish.”
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