The Walton Family Foundation has named Ian Shelledy senior program lead for its Markets Initiative, which works to align financing, supply chains and market incentives to help scale natural solutions that protect and restore rivers, oceans, and the communities that rely on them.

In this role, Ian will lead efforts to help businesses, investors and other decision-makers support solutions that work with the power of nature. His work will focus on strengthening the partnerships, financing approaches, and market conditions needed to help these solutions move from promising examples to widespread practice.

"Ian brings a unique combination of entrepreneurial thinking, partnership building, and systems-level strategy," said Moira Mcdonald, director of the Walton Family Foundation Environment Program. "He understands that lasting progress requires markets that recognize the value of nature and create incentives for action. We're excited for him to help lead this work as we look for new ways to protect water, support communities and build resilience."

Since joining the foundation in 2024, Ian has helped build partnerships across sectors to advance environmental solutions. In his new role, he will lead the Markets Initiative and its efforts to create lasting environmental outcomes through market-driven change.

Before joining the foundation, Ian served as chief operating officer of the Community Foundation of Utah. Earlier in his career, he co-founded Sustainable Startups, a nonprofit incubator and accelerator supporting entrepreneurs working on environmental and social challenges.

Ian holds a master's degree in sustainable development and collaborative governance from Colorado State University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Portland.