Mary
O'Connor

Mary O’Connor serves as Vice President of Giving and Impact at The Wilderness Society, where she leads the organization’s philanthropic strategy to advance bold conservation goals and ensure lasting protection of America’s public lands. Her work supports The Wilderness Society’s mission to confront the climate and biodiversity crises, promote equity and access, and defend wild places for future generations. 

Mary brings more than 25 years of leadership in fundraising and engagement across environmental and humanitarian organizations. Prior to joining The Wilderness Society, she served as Senior Vice President of Development at the National Parks Conservation Association, where she led a $300 million capital campaign. She has also held senior roles at The Nature Conservancy, The Conservation Fund, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, and Women for Women International. 

Mary holds a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh and brings a people-centered approach to conservation—grounded in the belief that building deep connections with communities is essential to protecting public lands.