Prince William's conservation charity appoints new US Executive Director, Ellen C. O'Connell, to spearhead Tusk's push in the US

NEW YORK, May 29, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The African conservation group, Tusk, whose Royal Patron is HRH The Duke of Cambridge today announced the appointment of Ellen C. O'Connell, as its Executive Director for Tusk USA.    

O'Connell has been a senior leader at the humanitarian aid organization, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) since 1999.  O'Connell served as Vice President from 1999-2014.  Prior to joining the IRC, O'Connell was a senior executive for ten years at Covenant House.

O'Connell has extensive experience of the African continent and a longstanding interest in conservation.  Charlie Mayhew, founder and President of Tusk said, "I am delighted that Ellen has joined us as our new Executive Director of Tusk USA and the Board is very much looking forward to working with her. Ellen brings a huge amount of experience to Tusk at a moment when we have an opportunity to increase our reach within the US and expand our conservation activities in Africa." 

Tusk is known as one of the most comprehensive charities working on the African continent. Tusk has been supporting wildlife, communities, and education in Africa since 1990 investing over $36 million into conservation initiatives. It currently funds over 50 projects across 18 countries.  

Tusk has earned a reputation for being financially efficient, with 80% of the net funds raised reaching the field.

Tusk works to protect endangered species, but also aims to use conservation as an effective tool to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development.

"I was delighted when asked to become Royal Patron of Tusk Trust. I have seen the Charity's inspirational work at first-hand. To me, projects supported by Tusk – particularly those which combine the protection of endangered species with innovative initiatives for alleviating poverty in remote rural communities – show a clear way forward."  -

HRH The Duke of Cambridge KG KT, Royal Patron of Tusk

As the human population increases the demand for land often leads to conflict with wildlife. Tusk's holistic approach recognizes that the future of the continent's natural heritage is dependent on sustainable conservation.  Tusk funds wildlife conservation, and helps to fund the construction of primary & secondary schools, water projects, as well as livelihoods programs through nature-based enterprise in remote areas.

For more information: www.tusk.org

646-321-3995, Tusk USA, 525 East 89th Street , NYC, 10128.

SOURCE Tusk USA