Delaine McCullough

About Delaine McCullough

I am a senior leader and strategist with significant experience in influencing public policy, heading innovative programs, building and strengthening effective partnerships, and advocating for environmental sustainability and social and economic justice around the world. Throughout my career, I’ve helped establish and grow a strong, powerful voice for civil society at the state, national, and international levels. I\'ve developed first-of-their-kind programs, managed high-stakes communications, and cultivated important partnerships with global stakeholders.I\'m a leader and problem solver with a strategic view of program operations, as well as in policy and community advocacy positions. I know how to inspire teams, orchestrate projects, and translate big ideas into concrete actions and, ultimately, results.I’m driven to contributing to a more sustainable, just, and equitable world. Together with colleagues and partners, I dive deeply into complex environmental, social justice, and economic issues, driving positive change every step of the way.

Experience

1. Director, Shipping Program

   Ocean Conservancy

   Jul 2025 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Lead Ocean Conservancy\'s shipping program to use science-based advocacy to promote policies and practices that reduce shipping\'s climate emissions and air and noise pollution, targeting international shipping at the International Maritime Organization, maximizing opportunities with high ambition countries generally, and reforming US domestic policy to fully decarbonize shipping and ports, create U.S. shipping jobs, and increase investment in zero-carbon shipping technologies and supply chains. In addition to leading Ocean Conservancy’s engagement in climate negotiations at the IMO and in initiatives in other global forums, I oversee and develop the shipping team, design and implement strategic plans and research agendas, secure program funding and manage donor relations, and support communications and media outreach. I also serve as the president of the Clean Shipping Coalition, the leading international association of civil society environmental protection organizations that is pushing to ensure that shipping takes its climate and environment responsibilities seriously.

Education

• Indiana University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs

  Master of Public Affairs (MPA)

• Indiana University Bloomington

  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Skills

• Public Policy
• Ngos
• International Relations
• Capacity Building
• Project Management
• Nonprofits
• Grant Writing
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Editing
• Social Media
• International Development
• Strategic Communications
• Human Rights
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Community Development
• Fundraising
• Political Campaigns
• Politics
• Policy Analysis