Avon Wildlife Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Leah McNally as Chief Executive Officer.

Leah will be joining from London Wildlife Trust, where she has held a wide range of senior roles, most recently as Director of Learning, Youth and Communities. 

Leah brings extensive strategic experience, and a strong understanding of our goals as a Wildlife Trust, to help deliver Avon Wildlife Trust’s busy programme of projects supporting nature’s recovery across our region.

Her previous accomplishments include the redevelopment of an iconic visitor and learning centre at Camley Street Natural Park in Kings Cross as well as initiating and leading ‘Keeping it Wild’ - an award-winning youth programme which includes paid traineeships, a Youth Board and an annual Green Careers Showcase.

In addition, she has worked in partnership with a variety of landowners and stakeholders for the Great North Wood living landscapes project across five boroughs in South London.

Leah McNally said,

“I’m very much looking forward to joining Avon Wildlife Trust as Chief Executive, and excited to meet the team of staff and volunteers.  

I’ll be taking opportunities to get to know Avon's projects and nature reserves, and to meet with partner organisations that are working with Avon Wildlife Trust to secure nature’s recovery across the region.  

I’m passionate about ensuring that everyone can access and enjoy the multiple benefits that nature can bring, and I'm looking forward to bringing my experience to Avon Wildlife Trust.” 

With senior leadership experience from another Wildlife Trust, Leah is familiar with the fundraising, strategic development and operational requirements for leading the charity.

Lara Burch, Chair of Avon Wildlife Trust, said,

"Leah McNally brings with her a wealth of experience and a proven track record in leadership roles centred around wildlife restoration and communicating the value of the natural world.  That expertise will help us drive forward the ambitious plans that we already have underway to support nature's recovery in our local area.   We are very pleased that she will be joining us.

I'd also like to thank Nigel Wilson, who has provided excellent support as our interim CEO and will be very much missed by all who have worked with him."

Avon Wildlife Trust’s interim CEO, Nigel Wilson, has provided strategic leadership while recruitment was underway and will remain in post to ensure a smooth transition when Leah starts in March.

For further information, contact Stuart McCarthy-Thompson, Communications and Campaigns Manager communications@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk