Shela Patrickson was appointed Strategy Delivery Lead at WWF South Africa in 2024, after joining the organisation in 2015 to manage the Public Sector Partnerships portfolio. In these roles she has been instrumental in securing critical resources, forging partnerships that advance WWF’s impact goals, and designing robust projects.  She has also played a central role in shaping the organisation’s strategy and fostering collaborative ways of working.

With a career in the NGO sector since 2008, Shela previously served as Manager of ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability’s Cities Biodiversity Centre, where she drove city engagement at the CBD COP and supported municipalities in advancing urban biodiversity management.

Shela holds an MSc in Environmental Science from the University of Utah, USA, as well as BSc and BSc (Hons) degrees in Botany and Environmental Science from the University of Cape Town.

“I am passionate about enabling practical solutions that improve both nature and people’s well-being,” says Shela. “This role allows me to ensure WWF operates efficiently and effectively, so that we can maximise our impact on the ground.”