Kelsey supports the USAID Measuring Impact II initiative as the Deputy Chief of Party, Programs. She brings her experience working at the intersection of international development and environmental conservation to help build USAID’s capacity to use adaptive management and learning to enhance the effectiveness of their biodiversity programming. Her role also includes coordinating communication and management of knowledge generated through Measuring Impact’s direct technical assistance to USAID offices.

Prior, Kelsey worked at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to integrate the value of natural capital in national development plans and investment strategies in Latin America and the Caribbean. She contributed to the design of ecosystem service-inclusive public-sector investments in tourism and disaster risk management, project and program level monitoring and evaluation, and building capacity for organizational change. Previously, she conducted socioeconomic research on marine issues at NOAA and engaged with marine and coastal policy through work with the political advocacy NGO Ocean Champions and local government. Her background also includes experience with policy and science communications and cross-sector and discipline engagement.

Kelsey is a strong proponent of integrated conservation approaches that provide multiple benefits to both people and ecosystems.