Kerry O’Donnell is the Chief People and Culture Officer for the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. Together with the People and Culture team, she supports the development and implementation of employee strategies in alignment with the organization’s mission, values and vision. Kerry serves as a key leader in the branch of the organization that includes Human Resources, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Development, and Internal Communications.
Kerry began her career as an employment attorney, advising non-profit organizations and public agencies on their most complex employee challenges. As a person who deeply values building strong, collaborative relationships with colleagues, she took the opportunity to leave the practice of law and serve in a role leading human resources and labor relations at a national, environmental non-profit.
Throughout her career, she has championed service-oriented employee functions grounded in empathy and courage. Kerry’s leadership is centered in a commitment to the values of the Parks Conservancy – especially the values of advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.
Originally from a small town outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kerry now lives in San Francisco with her husband and beloved dog. She earned her law degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a degree in business administration from Bucknell University. Since moving to the Bay Area in 2007, the urban parklands of San Francisco – including the Golden Gate National Recreation Area – have provided a source of joy and connection with nature. Kerry loves spending time with friends and family, music (specifically, creating the perfect playlist for every occasion), sports (specifically, cheering on the Golden State Warriors), traveling, and exploring all of the incredible gifts that the San Francisco Bay Area has to offer.
