WASHINGTON — The National Wildlife Federation, America’s largest conservation organization with 51 state and territorial affiliates and more than six million members, today announced that Laura Daniel Davis will serve as Vice President for Conservation Strategy.  

Davis comes to the National Wildlife Federation with more than two decades of public policy and government experience focused on conservation and natural resource issues. She served as Chief of Staff under Secretaries of the Interior Ken Salazar (2011-2013) and Sally Jewell (2013-2014), after serving Salazar as Associate Deputy Secretary (2009-2010). In the 1990s, she held a variety of leadership roles at the Department of the Interior under Secretary Bruce Babbitt. She also served as a top advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff to then-Rep. Mark Udall (D-Colorado). Most recently, Davis has led the Heritage Outdoors Project of the Resources Legacy Fund, which works with conservation organizations to preserve and protect public lands and wildlife.  

“Laura is among the most visionary and effective conservationists of our time,” said Collin O’Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Throughout her time at Interior, on the Hill, and in the non-profit sector, she has always found innovative ways to bring people together, find common-sense solutions, and accomplish big things for conservation. We could not be more excited to have Laura join the Federation family at this critical time for conservation.”

Davis will lead the National Wildlife Federation’s overarching federal strategy to advance key priorities established in its new strategic plan, including increasing America’s wildlife populations, improving federal management of public lands, encouraging conservation on private lands, and restoring America’s waterways. At this time of partisan gridlock, Davis will significantly expand the Federation’s reach and ability to achieve bipartisan conservation victories in the Congress and within the Administration.

“For decades, the National Wildlife Federation has brought Republicans and Democrats together to advance wildlife conservation across America. Now, more than ever, we need to create new opportunities for those passionate about protecting our natural resources to work across the aisle for common sense solutions,” said Davis. “After years of working in partnership in service to conservation objectives, I am honored to join the Federation’s terrific team to help advance their efforts to enhance our public lands and conserve America’s wildlife for future generations.”

“Laura has been a friend and ally for many years,” added Jeff Trandahl, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. “She will be a great partner in her new role at the National Wildlife Federation as we work together to tackle conservation challenges and protect and restore fish and wildlife and their habitats.”