Arlington, VA – Rare today announced the appointment of Dr. Caleb McClennen as its new president. In this new role, McClennen will partner with Rare’s CEO, Brett Jenks, on the development and execution of Rare’s strategy and organizational governance. McClennen will lead Rare’s programs and operations, and will be a key spokesperson for Rare’s organizational mission of inspiring change so people and nature thrive. The creation of this role is part of Rare’s strategic plan to scale its programs and impact.
“After a rigorous global search, I’m really excited to be partnering with Caleb in this new role,” said Rare CEO Brett Jenks, “Caleb’s appointment as our full-time president is an important part of Rare’s work to scale our community-driven, behavior-centered approach. I’ve been impressed by his entrepreneurial spirit, humility, interest in partnerships, and his deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. He’s going to make a huge contribution to the organization.”
McClennen brings his expertise and leadership to Rare’s dynamic and innovative programs working on climate change, fisheries, agriculture, and applied behavioral science. McClennen is currently the Vice President, Global Conservation at the Wildlife Conservation Society, where he leads and supports the organization’s cross-cutting conservation strategies, including programs for oceans and fisheries, health, climate, communities, and capacity development.
“I’m proud to be joining an organization with such a stellar reputation for working alongside communities around the world,” said McClennen, “I spent a lot of my early career in the field and look forward to furthering Rare’s work which is so much about community empowerment and equity.”
McClennen will join the organization in the last week of October.