WASHINGTON - Shawn Cantrell has been named the new vice president of field conservation for Defenders of Wildlife. Shawn spent the last three years working as Defenders' Northwest program director.

Jamie Rappaport Clark, president and CEO for Defenders of Wildlife, issued this statement:

"We are thrilled to have Shawn Cantrell as our newest vice president and welcome him to our headquarters in Washington, D.C. Shawn's leadership in the Pacific Northwest and his knowledge of the region has proven invaluable. He is well respected both for his conservation advocacy and management and his collaborative style.

"His leadership and the relationships he's built with our conservation partners are going to be tremendous assets to our work nationwide."

Statement by Shawn Cantrell:

"The field staff at Defenders of Wildlife works tirelessly to protect imperiled wildlife and wild places across the country and I look forward to supporting and enhancing those efforts.

"I'm excited to take the lead on further developing Defenders' mission of coexistence between people and wildlife as well as implementing practical and innovative programs to help restore key species and habitats."

Background:

Shawn earned a B.A. in Political Science from Gonzaga University as well as certificate in Non-Profit Leadership from the University of Washington's Evan School of Public Affairs. He has spent more than 20 years working conservation issues, first as Northwest Regional Director of Friends of the Earth and later as Executive Director of Seattle Audubon Society.

He previously served as a board member of the Save Our Wild Salmon Coalition, the Northwest Energy Coalition, and the Washington State Audubon Conservation Committee.


Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With nearly 1.2 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit newsroom.defenders.org and follow us on Twitter @DefendersNews.

Contact: Rebecca Bullis, rbullis@defenders.org 202-772-0295