Emily Nevins recently joined GatenbySanderson as a Partner in the Not-for-Profit practice, bringing over 20 years of senior sector experience, most recently as Global Campaigns and Education Director with Amnesty International.
With experience leading programmes from digital engagement, youth participation, activism, education and training to grant-making, casework and strategic partnerships, Emily wants to support clients facing a wide-range of transformational leadership challenges.
In her decision to join GatenbySanderson she said:
“The not-for-profit sector provides essential services and manages vital public spaces, also contributing to the UK economy and global profile. We all need to strengthen the sector in response to inflation, pandemic recovery, the climate crisis and the drive for diverse and inclusive leadership. I believe in public service, and these challenges inspired me to serve the sector in a new way.”
During her tenure, Amnesty International revitalised its campaigning model, expanding the annual Write for Rights campaign to 100 markets and reorienting Amnesty International toward ‘people-power’, with a focus on building the capacity of activists to lead and own campaigns and harnessing digital innovations.
“Organisations cannot be complacent. Impact is harder than ever to achieve. Supporting people to identify solutions and take the lead is how to build real, lasting power and change.”
With Friends of the Earth, Emily supported action on climate change, something she continued with Amnesty, attending COP climate negotiations and working with wide-ranging coalitions.
“Climate change cuts across everything – from policy campaigns, decarbonising operations, divesting assets or mitigating impacts to heritage sites. All leaders need to have this on their agenda”.
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Emily received her BA music from DePaul University, where she studied flute with Donald Peck, then principal of the Chicago Symphony, before pursuing an MA in Diplomatic Studies from the University of Westminster, where she focused on public diplomacy in the digital age. She performed with COMA, a network of orchestras focused on commissioning new music, for several years.
She will celebrate 20 years in the UK this September but spent many holidays visiting her grandparents in County Durham, where her grandfather was a coal miner, while growing up.
“I’ve always loved the UK and have deep roots here – including family whose lives and experiences inspired my career and work I do today. I am looking forward to continuing my contribution to the UK with GatenbySanderson and our clients.”
If you’d like to discuss your current priorities and challenges with Emily, and consider how our integrated executive recruitment and leadership development services can benefit your people strategy, please do get in touch: emily.nevins@www.gatenbysanderson.com