Driven by a lifelong commitment to the meaningful involvement of all people in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws and policies, Kelly Johnson is making a significant impact.
As a partner at Holland & Hart’s Washington, D.C., office, Johnson combines her environmental and natural resources compliance expertise with her passion for policy advocacy. Her journey began with an undergraduate degree in environmental management from Rutgers, followed by an MPA from the O’Neill School in 1990 and a J.D. from the Maurer School of Law at IU. Johnson’s dedication extends beyond her professional achievements; she is a key figure in shaping future environ- mental leaders through her involvement with the O’Neill School. Serving on the O’Neill School’s Dean’s Council, she actively supports various initiatives to expand opportunities for current students.
Seeing the next generation succeed and lead in this field is the most rewarding outcome of my support.
She has made a significant contribution to support the Environmental Justice Fellows program. This initiative, led by Lynton K. Caldwell Professor David Konisky, helps graduate students integrate the study and consideration of environmental justice into their personal development, academic experience, and career planning. Johnson’s involvement has beeninstrumental in fostering a new generation of leaders dedicated to advancing environmental justice.
“Investing in the education and development of O’Neill students is my way of contributing to a future where environmental justice is at the forefront of policy and action. I want to help students not only understand the complexities of environmental issues but also feel empowered to develop and implement solu- tions that prioritize equity and sustainability,” Johnson said. “Seeing the next generation succeed and lead in this field is the most rewarding outcome of my support.”
Johnson’s support has enabled like-minded students to explore the root causes of environmental justice issues.
“The Environmental Justice Fellows program exposed me to diverse perspectives and opportunities for engagement and action,” said Steph Jovan, an MPA-MSES student with a concentration on environmental management. “Through the program,
I learned more about the policy and advocacy efforts that are underway to address these issues, and that there are people who care greatly about the issues that the marginalized communities experience and will be experiencing in the face of climate change.” Additionally, Johnson’s generosity sponsored O’Neill students to attend COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties, held in Dubai in the fall of 2023. Johnson was fortunate to represent the United States at UN conferences during her career and recognized the unique opportunity it would be for O’Neill students.
“For the O’Neill students who attended COP28, I wanted them to share the excitement of being part of the global community as they embark on their careers,” she said. “I hope they, too, found it to be unforgettable.”