Dawn Miskelly has been appointed to the role of chief executive officer of Ulster Wildlife, Northern Ireland’s largest local nature conservation charity.
With over a decade of senior leadership experience within Ulster Wildlife, Dawn has a deep understanding of, and passion for the charity’s mission to bring nature back locally and create a wilder future.
The charity is aiming to ensure that at least 30% of land and seas are protected and managed for nature by 2030 by working in partnership with local people, community groups, landowners, farmers and businesses.
Ulster Wildlife
Dawn has worked for over 20 years in the environmental and voluntary sectors, including roles at Belfast Zoo and Tourism NI.
Over the past decade she has played a key role in modernising the Ulster Wildlife brand and strategic direction, strengthening leadership, culture, and governance.
She has also served as a board member of NI Environment Link for the last six years and is chair of Ards and North Down 3rd Sector Collaboration Hub.
Commenting on her new role, Dawn said that it is an “incredible honour” to lead a local charity and cause so close to her heart.
“Having developed a deep respect for nature from a young age, I understand the urgency of our mission.
“Reversing nature’s decline is a significant challenge – from pollution and habitat loss to climate change – but I am passionately hopeful that, with public support and political commitment, we can bring nature back. But we must act now, at scale and pace,” she said.
“I look forward to working alongside our passionate team of staff, volunteers, trustees, partners, politicians, funders and farmers, as well as our dedicated supporters, to protect our precious wildlife and wild places and help build a future where nature and people are thriving together,” Dawn added.
John Witchell, chair of Ulster Wildlife, welcomed Dawn to her new role in the charity.
“Her long-standing dedication to Ulster Wildlife, beginning as a volunteer over two decades ago, uniquely positions her to drive nature’s recovery forward in Northern Ireland, championing efforts in natural climate solutions, peatland restoration, species recovery, farmland wildlife decline and marine protection.
“We are confident that her visionary leadership will guide us towards a brighter, more sustainable future that benefits both wildlife and local communities,” he said.
Dawn’s appointment follows the sudden passing of former Ulster Wildlife chief executive Jennifer Fulton in May 2024.
As part of the extensive external recruitment process, youth members of Ulster Wildlife’s board also interviewed candidates, underscoring the charity’s commitment to inclusive leadership and intergenerational engagement.
