The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), a global leader in defending the right to a healthy planet, announces the appointment of Rebecca Brown as its new president and CEO.
“At a time when the fight for climate justice and environmental protection has never been more urgent, I am honored and excited to lead CIEL in using the power of the law to challenge injustice, hold polluters accountable, and protect communities on the front lines of environmental harm. I have witnessed the key role CIEL has played in building global political will, forging bold legal frameworks, and pushing for the systemic changes needed to protect the environment and human rights. I look forward to supporting the organization in continuing to strengthen innovative partnerships across movements, increasing impact, and ensuring meaningful change for people and the planet,” Brown said.
With CIEL’s mission to use the power of law to protect the environment, promote human rights and ensure a just and sustainable society, Brown will lead the next phase of the international legal and advocacy organization’s work to deliver a transformative impact to protect people and the environment.
Brown is a seasoned human rights lawyer with more than 20 years in social justice advocacy who brings a wealth of leadership expertise. Most recently, she served as vice president of Global Advocacy at the Center for Reproductive Rights, where she led efforts to establish reproductive freedoms as fundamental human rights and built strategic partnerships with governments, donors and civil society organizations. She previously served as Deputy Director at the International Network on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR-Net), where she oversaw global programs advancing corporate accountability, social movements and critical legal strategies addressing environmental and socioeconomic rights.
Brown’s appointment concludes an extensive and highly competitive four-month executive search process led by Koya Partners. The Search Committee, composed of the Board of Trustees and senior staff members, is excited by Brown’s demonstrated and longstanding commitment to human rights and the environment, and to additional social intersections that complement the two primary lenses, including social and economic rights, gender equity and health.
“In a world that continues to be more and more layered, connected, and interdependent — and following an exhilarating and exhaustive global search — the board is impressed by Rebecca’s vast international human rights experience and how her ‘Global Justice’ focus will help shape CIEL’s path forward in international environmental law,” CIEL Board Chair Dianne Dillon-Ridgely said.
Brown’s commitment to environmental justice began early during a fellowship at the Women’s Environment and Development Organization, where she witnessed firsthand the deep connections between environmental degradation, gender inequality and human rights violations. The experience shaped her understanding of how systemic injustices intersect and set the course for her career as a human rights lawyer.
“We believe that Rebecca brings the ideal skill set, relationships and breadth of experience necessary to lead CIEL into its next chapter and deliver on our transformative goals in the years ahead. We look forward to supporting her visionary leadership, rooted in her clear accountability to impacted communities around the world, passion for human rights and the environment, and commitment to humility, cooperation and compassion to CIEL’s next chapter,” Dalindyebo Shabalala, vice chair of CIEL’s Board and Search Committee Chair, said.
As an Environmental Justice Associate at the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, Brown worked closely with communities worldwide to develop grassroots solutions to environmental and climate challenges. Through strategic litigation and legal advocacy, she supported affected communities in defending their rights, reinforcing her dedication to advancing justice at the intersection of human rights and environmental protection.
“Rebecca is the leader we need for this moment. Rebecca demonstrates a remarkable ability to weave connections across complex issues, envision a progressive role for international law in the protection of human rights and the environment, and develop participatory processes to lead global teams to achieve ambitious goals. I look forward to working closely with Rebecca in the coming years to further sharpen our strategies, build partnerships, strengthen our internal systems, and advance environmental justice for communities around the globe,” CIEL Acting President Amanda Kistler said.
CIEL celebrated 35 years of legal wins last year and marked a moment of transformation and impact for the organization. Brown’s leadership will be crucial in sustaining organizational effectiveness, investing in roles that grow CIEL’s reach and impact, and strengthening the organization’s ability to respond to increasing demands for technical expertise and legal leadership within movement spaces.
With offices in Washington, D.C. and Geneva, Switzerland, CIEL’s 70 staff members work across four core programs: Climate & Energy, Fossil Economy, People, Land & Resources, and Environmental Health in communications, development, and administrative departments. Staff also work remotely across the United States, Europe and Latin America.
Committed to fostering the next generation of international environmental advocates, CIEL has trained more than 500 interns and law fellows from nearly 60 countries. CIEL’s Board of Trustees is composed of lawyers, philanthropic partners, and environment, human rights, and social justice advocates, and provides governance and financial oversight to advance CIEL’s mission.
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Rebecca Barnabi
