Donald R. Kendall, Jr. Appointed to the Jane Goodall Institute USA Board of Directors

The conservation nonprofit’s newest board member draws on extensive climate experience to help drive Dr. Jane Goodall’s singular vision forward

(January 27, 2026 – Washington, D.C.) The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) USA today announced that Donald R. Kendall, Jr. has been appointed to the JGI USA Board of Directors. As an expert in the climate space with a longstanding connection to Dr. Jane Goodall and her institute, Don Kendall will strengthen the conservation nonprofit as it continues Jane’s mission of inspiring hope and transforming it into action. His appointment marks his second tenure on the Jane Goodall Institute USA board.

“I am delighted to welcome Don Kendall back to our Board of Directors to support our work in fulfilling Dr. Jane Goodall’s vision,” said JGI USA Board of Directors Chair Franklin Moore. “His unique experience with organizations spanning finance, energy, and conservation will offer valuable insight and opportunity to the Jane Goodall Institute USA.”

“Don Kendall brings not just venerable experience in international conservation, but also a true understanding of Jane’s vision for her namesake organization,” said JGI USA Executive Director Anna Rathmann. “Our work in community-led conservation, animal welfare, long-term wildlife research, and youth engagement will thrive and expand with Don’s expertise added to our board.”

About Donald R. Kendall, Jr.
Donald R. Kendall, Jr. is a General Partner of New Climate Ventures and is the founding Managing Director and the Chief Executive Officer of Kenmont Capital, LP.  Mr. Kendall ran a $500 million distressed debt and credit-based hedge fund focused on the energy, power and transportation sectors and a top performing private equity fund of funds under the Kenmont umbrella. In addition, Mr. Kendall utilized his extensive background in the energy, power and infrastructure industries overseeing event driven, distressed and capital structure arbitrage credit activities, in addition to private equity activities, as a portfolio manager for Carlson Capital, L.P., a multi-billion dollar hedge fund headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

Mr. Kendall has a long history of devoting his time and expertise to conservation and education, including serving as a board member for  Longneck Manor Conservation Foundation, and Mar Alliance. Additionally, Mr. Kendall has served as a board member of Earthwatch International, Ecological Defense Group, as a Trustee of Hamilton College, as well as a member of the Investment Committee, the Board of Overseers of The Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College, Vice Chair of the Houston Zoo, Inc. and Chair of its Conservation Committee, Bat Conservation International, and Prospect Park Alliance and chaired multiple committees of various nonprofits boards.

About Jane Goodall Institute
The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is a global, community-led conservation organization founded in 1977 that advances the vision and work of Dr. Jane Goodall in 30 offices around the world. We aim to understand and protect chimpanzees, other apes and their habitats, and empower people to be compassionate citizens in order to inspire conservation of the natural world we all share. JGI uses research, community-led conservation, best-in-class animal welfare standards, and the innovative use of science and technology to inspire hope and transform it into action for the common good. Through our Roots & Shoots program for young people of all ages, now active in 75 countries around the world and counting, JGI is creating a movement of compassionate people who will help to create a better world for people, other animals, and our shared environment.

Learn more at janegoodall.org and rootsandshoots.org. Follow @JaneGoodallInst and @RootsAndShoots.   

Press Contact: Kara Solarz
Ksolarz@janegoodall.org 
703-682-9243