Kelly McNamara
As Climate & Nature Director, Kelly spearheads FSI's efforts to position sustainable proteins as a critical lever for food system decarbonization, engaging strategic stakeholders across philanthropy, civil society, and government to mobilize resources and support. Her approach combines rigorous analysis with strategic relationship-building to align financial flows with food system transformation—one of our most powerful tools for climate action.
Before joining FSI, Kelly led policy and research initiatives at Friends of the Earth U.S., where she developed strategies to redirect capital from industrial livestock operations toward sustainable agri-food systems. Her work included engaging major U.S. banks, government agencies, development banks, and global coalitions to build regulatory, market, and philanthropic support for transformative food system innovations.
Kelly has significantly shaped the sustainable protein landscape by developing sustainability frameworks with FAIRR and the Good Food Institute, collaborating with global standard-setters including ISSB, SASB, and SBTi, and serving on the Technical Advisory Group for the Climate Bonds Initiative. A respected voice in the field, she has authored influential research, led policy advocacy efforts, and facilitated cross-sector convenings focused on transforming food system finance.
Kelly holds an MPhil in Philosophy from Cambridge University and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania. She is currently pursuing an MBA in Sustainability at Bard College and holds both a CFA ESG certificate and certification from Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership's Sustainable Finance program.
Kelly lives in the Hudson Valley with her partner and their Maltese, Tortilla.