About us
Meet the team
Meet the passionate and experienced Antarctic conservationists serving as the organization’s leadership team.
Ally Kristan
Founder & Executive Director
Ally (B.S. Marine Biology, M.S. Oceanography & Coastal Sciences) is a marine biologist and Antarctic policy expert with over a decade of experience in Antarctic conservation.
She has conducted research on Antarctic penguins and seals, served on the U.S. Delegation to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting and CCAMLR, deployed to McMurdo Sation, and held leadership roles in Antarctic science and policy forums.
She continues to progress Antarctic conservation through her work with the IUCN WCPA and Duke University Marine Lab.
Andrea Kavanagh
Founder & Chief Campaign and Policy Officer
Andrea is an Antarctic policy strategist and ocean conservation campaign leader with more than 25 years of experience designing and directing international initiatives.
During her two decades at The Pew Charitable Trusts, she led efforts to strengthen fisheries management, reduce illegal fishing, advance ecosystem-based krill management, and secure the designation of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area—the largest MPA in the world at the time.
She has represented coalitions in United Nations and CCAMLR negotiations and brings extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, campaign development, and strategic communications.
Sean Cosgrove
Founder & Director of Strategic Operations
Sean is a senior conservation campaign professional with more than three decades of experience advancing ocean, fisheries, and public lands protections.
He has led national campaigns, managed multi-partner coalitions, served as a federal policy advocate, and directed a national grant portfolio for the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
Advisory Board
Professionals from around the world lend us their expertise.
Dr. Jennifer Jacquet
University of Miami
John Hocevar
Greenpeace USA
Our Mission
To protect Antarctic wildlife and the Southern Ocean by holding industrial fisheries accountable and advancing science-based conservation solutions.
Protect Antarctic wildlife
Prevent industrial impacts
Progress Southern Ocean conservation
Want to work with us?
Change happens through collaboration. If you're interested in joining our team, contributing your skills, or partnering with us as an organization, let's start a conversation.
Statement on Equity & Inclusion
Antarctic Wildlife Alliance deeply values, and is committed to sustaining and promoting, both biological and cultural diversity. We welcome, embrace and respect diversity of people, identities, abilities and cultures. AWA operates in the best interest of securing protection and a sustainable future for wildlife.
In recruitment and hiring, AWA will provide an equal opportunity in recruitment and employment to all individuals and will consider candidates without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation and identity, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status; and without discrimination based on socioeconomic, marital, parental or caregiving status, or any of the previously listed characteristics or statuses.