Candidate info
Particular qualifications:
I have worked in international biodiversity conservation, at the science/policy intersection, for many years. I was elected as Regional Councillor in 2021, and I have worked diligently and tirelessly since then on Council, including as elected Chair of the Council’s Programme & Policy Committee, and member of Committees, Task Forces, and Working Groups. I also work closely with the US National Committee and its Executive Committee (as member ex oficio). I have lived, studied, and worked in multiple countries, and I will continue to bring diversity of experience to the Council. I am deeply committed to working in collaboration to find and implement solutions for the current biodiversity conservation crisis, and to enabling IUCN members and structures to collaborate to the fullest extent possible. I have worked closely with IUCN delegates at multiple intergovernmental fora (e.g., CITES, CMS, CBD), and have contributed significantly to IUCN policy development and advocacy. I also have strong Board experience (e.g., former member of the TRAFFIC Committee, former member of the Board of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (U.S. NGO), and former Chair and member of the Board of WCS-Canada). I have significant organizational governance experience. I am deeply committed to the mission of IUCN, to building on what I have learned in my first term, and to working to ensure that IUCN is a strong, vibrant, effective voice for conservation.
Experience in fields of concern to IUCN:
I have worked in international biodiversity conservation, at the science/policy intersection for many years. I currently lead WCS’s policy engagement in multiple intergovernmental fora, including CITES, CMS, CBD, and the WHO. I am committed to supporting field conservation through policy engagement, working closely with governments, intergovernmental organizations, international and national NGOs, and others—particularly by promoting science-based decision-making. I have extensive career experience in both wildlife trade, and efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. I also worked extensively with governments and other partners on the adoption of the CBD Global Biodiversity Framework. I obtained my Ph.D. in tropical ecology from the University of Southern California (with field work on amphibians and reptiles in Costa Rica), and I also did postdoctoral research. I am committed to mentoring young scientists and other professionals to find meaningful careers in conservation.