Introducing Mary Beth Gallagher, Chair of the Advisory Board

We are delighted to welcome Mary Beth Gallagher, Director of Engagement at Domini Impact Investments, as the new chair of the Advisory Board at the Finance for Biodiversity Foundation. With a distinguished career in stewardship and engagement on biodiversity, human rights, and climate change issues, Mary Beth brings exceptional expertise, strategic vision, and a profound commitment to advancing biodiversity goals through the financial sector.

In this exclusive profile, we explore Mary Beth’s vision for the future of biodiversity finance, her leadership approach, and the key priorities she identifies for the FfB Foundation. Join us as we gain insight into the aspirations and expertise of a leader committed to fostering impactful action for biodiversity.

 

 

1- How has your professional experience to date prepared you to chair the Advisory Board effectively?

As an attorney with a background in environmental science and human rights, I have worked in investor stewardship for 12 years, encouraging companies to demonstrate how they are advancing positive impact for people and planet, alongside financial performance.  This involves building relationships with companies and other investors, understanding the challenges and opportunities for sustainable business, and navigating intersecting issues with a pragmatic and ambitious approach.  I’ve developed an understanding of the landscape and what is needed from finance and business to support ambitious action on biodiversity, and I am excited for this role to advise the Foundation on how to advance this work, position the organization, and support our community.

 

2- What key outcomes or milestones will the FfB Foundation work towards achieving under your chairmanship and how will you work with stakeholders to advance the group’s objectives to contribute towards broader systemic changes?

The FfB Foundation plays an essential convening role and has set the high bar for the finance community on nature. As the Chair of the Advisory Board, I am prepared to support the Foundation Secretariat in advancing its ambitious agenda through the pledge, the various working groups, and in expanding our reach to new members and partners. I hope to continue to build connections and relationships among the community of finance professionals interested in the biodiversity agenda, tapping into the personal and professional motivation that brings each of us into this work.  Together we’ll find opportunities to collaborate, drawing on each of our strengths, to develop and use the tools needed to understand these complex issues and protect and restore biodiversity.

 

3- What are your aspirations for the future of biodiversity finance, and how can the Foundation help accelerate progress?

As biodiversity is increasingly recognized as a risk and area of opportunity for the finance sector, FfB’s role in connecting investors with a commitment to addressing biodiversity and providing them with the tools to act is invaluable. This is a dedicated space for shared learning, development of strategic initiatives, and creation of tools where there are existing gaps.  As the ambition to foster equitable and sustainable economic growth within our planetary boundaries challenges each of us in the financial community, FfB’s mission for collaboration, innovation, shared learning, and high integrity will be essential.

 

About the Advisory Board

After a year of existence, the Finance for Biodiversity Foundation set up its Advisory Board in April 2022.

At present, the Advisory Board consists of 6 representatives from financial institutions who are members of the Foundation. We are currently recruiting to fill a total of 11 positions. Its mission is to advise the Board on the executive strategy and to ensure progress towards the Pledge commitments, in line with the Foundation’s mission to reverse nature loss by 2030.

Read more about the Advisory Board here.

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