We are excited to welcome and introduce Ellen O’Connell, our new Chief Executive Officer, to the Farm Sanctuary family.
O’Connell joined the team in July 2022 as our Interim CEO, bringing a wealth of leadership experience and deep passion for our cause. For 35 years, she has led and consulted for nonprofit organizations globally in the development, poverty, energy access, climate change, and wildlife conservation sectors. In 2014, while working on a project involving ivory trafficked out of Congo, she was recruited to be the Executive Director of Tusk USA, where she oversaw conservation projects in 20 African countries.
O’Connell’s 15 years as a Vice President at the International Rescue Committee (IRC), a humanitarian aid organization that works with refugees worldwide, led to meaningful impacts in over 45 countries and took her to warzones and conflict areas — from Afghanistan to East Timor to Sudan. At the Covenant House in New York, she oversaw a shelter for over 10,000 homeless youth, combating despair with a spirit of resilience and hope. Her inclusive approach will help build a healthy and collaborative culture and drive mission impacts at Farm Sanctuary.
“I have been inspired and energized to work with Ellen these past six months as she served as Interim CEO of Farm Sanctuary,” said Gene Baur, Farm Sanctuary’s President and Co-founder. “Ellen brings a unique set of valuable skills that will help Farm Sanctuary effectively pursue bold solutions to end animal agriculture and thoughtfully advance our mission through rescue, education, and advocacy efforts. We have amazing opportunities before us, and I’m very excited about what’s to come.”
O’Connell earned her B.A. in English from Georgetown University, a master’s degree in Public Administration from the Wagner School of Public Service, NYU, and a second master’s degree in Anthropology from the New School for Social Research. Ellen lives in New York City with her daughter Kate, her partner Mat, and dogs Goose, Homer, and Mr. Peabody.
“Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed some of the worst that humankind can do to animals and each other, as well as some of the best – where spirit, resilience, and hope triumphed over despair and horror,” O’Connell said. “Farm Sanctuary embodies hope and compassion, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve as the CEO of this incredible organization alongside such a passionate and talented team. It is my hope that the next few years will bring significant change for the billions of animals who suffer from the cruelty of animal agriculture and that together, we can help influence the development of healthier food systems that nourish people and the planet.”
