Ellen O'Connell

Ellen C. O’Connell is the Executive Director of Tusk USA. Prior to joining Tusk in 2014, O'Connell served as Vice President at the humanitarian aid organization, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) from 1999 to 2014. From 1989-1999, O'Connell worked in various positions at Covenant House, an international homeless shelter for youth. As Treasurer and Associate Executive Director at Covenant House New York, she oversaw the development and expansion of education and job training programs in five boroughs and the creation of an earned income project - a restaurant that trained youth in culinary arts. O'Connell has extensive experience of the African continent, international humanitarian aid, and a longstanding interest in conservation. She graduated in 1987 from Georgetown University with a BA in English and received a Masters in Public Administration from the Wagner School of Public Service, NYU in 1991 and a Masters Degree in Anthropology at the New School for Social Research in 1995.

Tusk USA is a small, not-for-profit, conservation organization with a mission to conserve African wildlife and habitat by partnering with African non-profits that promote and integrate research, community development, economic growth, environmental education and direct wildlife protection. In 2005, His Royal Highness Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge became Tusk’s proud Royal Patron.