April 30, 2025 (press release) –
Washington, D.C. – Trust for Public Land (TPL) announced today the appointment of Kate Kelly as the organization’s new Vice President of Government Relations & Policy. In this role, Kelly will lead TPL’s federal advocacy team to advance the organization’s ambitious strategic plan to expand public lands, parks, trails, and schoolyards across the country —ensuring more Americans have access to the outdoors.
“Kate’s bipartisan experience on Capitol Hill and decade-plus of leadership roles at the Department of Interior will prove invaluable as TPL works with Congress and this Administration to increase access to the outdoors for communities across the country,” said Carrie Besnette Hauser, President and CEO of Trust for Public Land.
A former U.S. Senate aide and senior official at the U.S. Department of the Interior, Kelly has managed high-profile conservation and energy initiatives for three Interior Secretaries. Most recently, she served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy for Secretary Deb Haaland and previously as an advisor to Secretary Sally Jewell and Secretary Ken Salazar. At the Department, she led communications, engagement, and policy strategy at the highest levels of federal land management and environmental policy.
“I am excited to join the excellent team at TPL and contribute to its work to connect everyone in America to the outdoors,” said Kelly. “TPL has a sterling reputation as a mission-driven organization that delivers benefits to people in rural and urban communities alike – and that’s deeply aligned with my passion for conservation and public service.”
Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Kelly brings a lifelong commitment to protecting public lands and ensuring communities have access to outdoor spaces. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
In her new role, Kelly will lead the Federal Affairs team based in Washington, D.C., developing and advancing national strategies to protect public lands, secure federal funding for conservation and access, and prevent the weakening of key land protection policies. The team serves as a vital resource to Congress, federal agencies, local governments, and conservation partners nationwide. TPL’s Federal Affairs program plays a critical role in shaping federal conservation policy and delivering funding to help communities create and protect the outdoor spaces they need to thrive.
About Trust for Public Land
Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,504 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $110 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 9.7 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.
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