Jill Nizan serves as the Associate Vice President of Conservation at Global Humane Society, where she oversees all operations and strategic growth for the organization’s global conservation initiatives. For over a decade with the organization, Jill has played a pivotal role in developing and expanding multiple internationally recognized programs that advance animal welfare across sectors. Her contributions have been instrumental in shaping new certification frameworks in areas such as pet transportation, zoos and aquariums and ecotourism, applying her cross-sector expertise to raise the bar for humane practices across multiple industries.
Since joining Global Humane Society, Jill has led the growth of the Humane Certified™ Zoos and Aquariums and Humane Certified™ Ecotourism programs—initiatives that recognize institutions worldwide for their commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare and ethical conservation practices. Under her leadership, the certification network now spans nearly 100 zoological and wildlife tourism operations across more than 20 countries, from North America and the Caribbean to Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
In addition to her work with Global Humane Society’s certification programs, Jill oversees the Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation, established in 2022 to honor global leaders in wildlife preservation, and the Escape from Extinction award-winning documentary series, which highlights the urgent need to protect endangered species and ecosystems worldwide. Her ability to unite science, storytelling and strategic vision has helped amplify the organization’s conservation impact on a global scale.
Jill represents Global Humane Society at speaking engagements around the world and serves on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GSTC) Roundtable for Animal Welfare in Tourism, collaborating with international experts to advance progressive animal welfare standards. Earlier in her career, Jill contributed to American Humane Society’s media and public engagement initiatives, serving as Coordinating Producer for the 2020 American Humane Hero Dog Awards® and Associate Producer for the acclaimed documentary Escape from Extinction: Rewilding (2024).
Jill holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in communication studies, combining behavioral insight with strategic communication expertise to advance the mission of global animal welfare.