Mr. Ruskin Hartley

Mr. Ruskin Hartley is the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of International Dark Sky Association (IDA), where he leads the global mission to ensure equitable access to dark skies and promote high-quality outdoor lighting. In this role, Hartley works with volunteer leaders, donors and policy makers worldwide to advance the organization’s award-winning programs aimed at reducing light pollution and restoring the natural nighttime environment.

Prior to joining IDA, Hartley brought over two decades of leadership experience in major environmental and social-impact organisations. He served as Executive Director of Save the Redwoods League in California, where he led efforts to protect ancient redwood forests and raise significant public/private funding. He also served as President & CEO of Heal the Bay in Los Angeles, and as Vice President of Resource Development at Fair Trade USA, a social enterprise focused on global poverty alleviation.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Mr. Hartley holds a bachelor’s degree from University of Cambridge and a master’s degree from University of East Anglia. Under his leadership at IDA, he emphasizes that experiencing a truly dark sky is not only an aesthetic or scientific pursuit, but an environmental equity issue that affects wildlife, ecosystems and human health.

In his personal time, Hartley enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and cooking under the stars—a fitting pastime for the head of a movement dedicated to protecting the night. With a background bridging conservation, environmental advocacy and global policy, Mr. Hartley brings vital experience to the challenge of preserving night skies for future generations.