Jill Hepp
Jill Hepp is the Managing Director, Nature and Marine Policy and Incentives within Conservation International's Center for Policy and Incentives, where she leads the organization's global policy engagement on biodiversity, oceans, and economic incentives for nature.
She oversees Conservation International's participation and delegations to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), guiding the organization's support to governments and advancing policy priorities related to implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
She also leads Conservation International's policy contributions to the implementation of the High Seas Agreement, advancing science-based approaches to ocean conservation and the sustainable management of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.
Working closely with colleagues across Conservation International, Jill helps develop and promote policy solutions that support nature conservation, sustainable development, and ocean protection. She leads the implementation of the Accelerating Rapid Transition of Subsidies and Incentives (ARTSI) Initiative, a 2.5-year project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and philanthropic foundations that supports countries in shifting public subsidies and incentives away from nature-negative activities and toward positive outcomes for nature and people. She also provides strategic leadership and technical expertise to the Keystone Protected Areas Funding Fiscal Incentives Technical Assistance Facility, supporting governments and partners in developing fiscal policy solutions that strengthen sustainable financing for protected and conserved areas.
Prior to joining Conservation International in 2021, Jill was based in Cambodia, where she led WWF's efforts to keep the lower Mekong River free-flowing through the promotion of renewable solar energy and science-based advocacy. Earlier in her career, she directed marine policy campaigns for the Antarctic Ocean Alliance and The Pew Charitable Trusts. Jill, a Peace Corps alumna, holds degrees from the University of San Diego and the University of Maryland.