The Nature Conservancy in Georgia (TNC) has selected Michael O’Reilly as its Director of Government Relations. O’Reilly is a policy and advocacy expert with national and international experience. He is based in the organization’s Atlanta office and spends significant time under the Gold Dome and in Washington, D.C.

O’Reilly serves as an outward-facing representative and advocate for TNC’s priorities, projects and policy positions. He interacts and engages with state and federal elected officials, as well as government agencies. O’Reilly’s local portfolio also will include engaging with City of Atlanta officials to advance the public greenspace envisioned by the Atlanta City Design. He also collaborates with nonprofit conservation partners to reach shared goals

“The decisions made by state and federal policymakers have consequences for the people of Georgia and the lands and clean water we all depend on for life,” said Deron Davis, executive director, The Nature Conservancy in Georgia. “Therefore, it is vitally important that our relationships with lawmakers are managed strategically and with keen focus on the most urgent near-term and long-term conservation priorities. Mike’s expertise is well positioned to execute policy strategies for the benefit of Georgia’s future

O’Reilly joins TNC following 33 years with Amnesty International USA (AIUSA). In that time, he played several roles of increasing responsibility related to strategy, policy, campaigns and member mobilization. Immediately prior to joining The Nature Conservancy in November 2019, O’Reilly served as AIUSA’s Chief Strategy and Governance Officer, a role in which he managed implementation of the organization’s strategic plan and facilitated an assessment of its capacity to respond to climate change as a human rights issue.

“Climate change, habitat loss and declining wildlife populations are pressing threats in Georgia and globally. I look forward to helping create a policy environment in Georgia that motivates people, communities and corporations to work collaboratively to forge the solutions we need,” said O’Reilly.

O’Reilly is a graduate of New York University and holds certifications in nonprofit board governance and nonprofit leadership and management. He resides in Brookhaven with his wife.