NRDC Announces Kristin Wilson-Palmer as New Chief Communications Officer

NEW YORK – NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) today announced Kristin Wilson-Palmer as its new Chief Communications Officer. 

“We’re on a razor’s edge between climate catastrophe and decisive action,” said Manish Bapna, President and Chief Executive Officer of NRDC. “With a mission this urgent, the public deserves to hear a clear and authoritative call to action on the existential crisis of our time. Kristin is a proven innovator and leader of conscience. She knows what it means, and she has what it takes, to meet the challenge of the moment - and prevail.”  

Wilson-Palmer comes to NRDC with more than twenty years of deep and extensive experience in public policy, advocacy and corporate communications. Most recently, she served as a Senior Vice President in Edelman’s Washington, D.C. office, where she led large, integrated accounts for the agency’s global financial communications practice, with a focus on earned media, corporate social responsibility, ESG, and DEI. 

Over the course of her career, Wilson-Palmer has led media relations at AARP, promoted climate resilience and managed hurricane emergency communications for the Insurance Information Institute, and co-developed the national media strategy for the Let's Move! Child Care initiative for Childcare Aware of America, which was launched in partnership with the White House and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She also served as a Senior Communications Manager for the Honorable Mayor Shirley Franklin in the City of Atlanta, and managed communications for the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and America’s Public Television Stations (APTS).  

“I’m thrilled to join this advocacy powerhouse during such a critical time for global sustainability, climate solutions and our environment,” said Kristin Wilson-Palmer, NRDC’s Chief Communications Officer. “It is imperative that each of us do our part and act today to ensure a livable tomorrow; confront mistakes of the past to create a more promising future for all; and challenge injustice everywhere to make the world more equitable. I’m committed to building upon the record of excellence that has defined the NRDC for more than five decades, and to raising that bar even higher going forward.” 

“Public opinion is the heart and soul of public advocacy, and the wealth and breadth of Kristin’s experience make her the perfect fit for this essential role,” said NRDC’s Chief Policy Impact Officer, Christy Goldfuss. “She brings the skills, the judgment and the dedication necessary to help drive the change we need to see in the world. I’m excited to welcome Kristin onboard and inspired by the scope of all we’ll accomplish together.” 

Wilson-Palmer holds a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Sociology from James Madison University and completed post-graduate studies in Communication in Contemporary Society at Johns Hopkins University. 

Wilson-Palmer will begin her role as Chief Communications Officer for NRDC beginning today. 
 

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law, and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health, and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd). Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.