May 4, 2021

Kelly Rourke takes over as executive director of Pollinator Partnership

Pollinator Partnership, the world’s largest non-profit dedicated exclusively to pollinator issues, announced that beginning May 3, Kelly Rourke assumed the role of executive director for the organization.

“Having worked for Pollinator Partnership in many different roles, I am honored to hold this leadership position and look forward to continuing to support our great staff, impactful programs, and all pollinator species,” Rourke said in a news release.

Rourke has managed Pollinator Partnership’s programs and operations for over eight years, and will springboard off of the organization’s many years of successful education, certification, conservation, research and policy work. She has spearheaded programs such as the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign, Monarch Wings Across America and Pollinator Solar Habitat.

Rourke also serves on the board of directors of Pollinator Partnership Canada.

Rourke  takes over the reins from Laurie Davies Adams, former president and CEO who will switch to the role of director of programs. Adams’ leadership for over two decades at Pollinator Partnership elevated pollinator issues to a top conservation priority and forged strong partnerships across many sectors. Adams said,

“When I suggested this switch in roles to the board it was based on my incredible respect for Kelly’s talents and leadership. It is time for new, energetic, and fresh ideas at Pollinator Partnership (P2). At the same time, having me continue to provide day to day support will help us accomplish all that is needed for pollinators, plants, people and the planet. Scaling back on my responsibilities and focusing on key projects will enable Kelly to take the reins and to soar while we together increase the awareness of the plight of pollinators and the critical importance they play in keeping our planet healthy.”

Terry Witzel, Pollinator Partnership board chair, commented, “Kelly’s dedication to the organization is unwavering and the same goes for her commitment to pollinator conservation. I have faith she will continue to work tirelessly to bring pollinators to the forefront of the world’s environmental issues while maintaining the strong groundwork and partnerships that are already in place.”

Everyone can pitch in to help pollinators. Your support can start with simple actions in your own garden, school, or business, or by donating to one of the hardest working and most successful conservation organizations in the world, Pollinator Partnership.

Join us at www.pollinator.org.

Established in 1997, the Pollinator Partnership is the largest 501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to the health, protection, and conservation of all pollinating animals. Pollinator Partnership’s actions for pollinators include education, conservation, restoration, policy, and research.

Pollinator Partnership’s financial support comes through grants, gifts, memberships and donations from any interested party. Pollinator Partnership’s policies are science-based, set by its board of directors, and never influenced by any donor. Based in San Francisco, P2 has staff in Washington, D.C.; Chicago; Cleveland; Toronto, Ontario; and Victoria, British Columbia. To make a donation, or for information on pollinators, visit www.pollinator.org.

Kelly Rourke is the new executive director for Pollinator Partnership. Photo: Pollinator Partnership.