Valerie Hickey

Valerie Hickey assumed the role of Global Director for Climate Change at the World Bank on December 16, 2024. In this capacity, she leads the institution’s efforts to address the climate crisis, advancing initiatives that integrate climate resilience, mitigation, and finance across global development programs. Prior to this role, Valerie served for 2.5 years as Global Director for Environment, where she mobilized the Bank’s capital, convening power, and analytics to position nature as a driver of job creation and economic growth, build resilient and inclusive economies, and embed environmental health into sustainable development. Earlier, as Practice Manager for Climate Advisory and Operations, she was instrumental in delivering the Bank’s climate finance commitments and scaling operational solutions. She also led cross-sectoral teams in Latin America and the Caribbean as Practice Manager for Environment, addressing critical issues such as sustainable forest management, coastal zone planning, fisheries, and environmental risk mitigation. Since joining the World Bank in 2003, Valerie has contributed to transformative projects across regions, including managing Haiti’s environment portfolio following the 2010 earthquake and advancing work on the blue economy, biodiversity conservation, and wildlife crime. Before joining the Bank, Valerie worked with the World Wildlife Fund, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the US National Park Service, where she developed invasive species management programs for Lake Mead, the reservoir to the Hoover Dam. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Policy from Duke University.