National Wildlife Federation, America’s largest conservation organization and a 70-year leader in education and advocacy, has promoted Jeremy Symons to the newly created position of Senior Vice President, Conservation and Education. Symons will be responsible for overall leadership in planning and implementing National Wildlife Federation’s conservation, education and advocacy programs throughout the country.

The move to integrate and expand National Wildlife Federation’s education, conservation and advocacy efforts is part of the Federation’s strategic focus to confront the most pressing threats to the future of wildlife and build a stronger conservation movement that inspires Americans of all generations. Symons will work with NWF’s experienced leadership team to achieve the outcomes identified in the Federation’s strategic plan.

We are facing the most important and yet most difficult days ahead as we challenge Congress and the White House to enact climate legislation at a scope, scale and speed necessary to avoid a full-blown climate crisis. At the same time, we must also protect and restore America’s natural resources as climate change and other pressures intensify. And we must think to the future and adequately educate the next generation of Americans so that they are prepared to carry on America’s proud conservation legacy,” said Larry Schweiger, President of National Wildlife Federation.

“All of these challenges demand a robust and integrated effort across all of our work. Jeremy Symons is the kind of connective leader who can direct this effort with the utmost skill and strategic coordination. He has a track record of focusing on results, building successful teams, and forming alliances and partnerships to expand the conservation movement,” Schweiger added.

“National Wildlife Federation has an outstanding team of dedicated staff,” said Symons. “With four million members and supporters, state affiliates in 48 states and territories, expansive networks of volunteer leaders, and award-winning educational products such as Ranger Rick magazine, National Wildlife Federation is the most powerful force for wildlife conservation in America. What we accomplish in the next few years will determine the quality of life for our kids and grandkids, and the wildlife legacy they inherit.”


Previously, Symons led the National Wildlife Federation’s work to confront global warming, the single biggest threat to the future of wildlife. In his new position, Symons will continue to guide the Federation’s work on global warming, and be a lead spokesperson on global warming and energy issues.

Symons has appeared on NBC Nightly News, Fox News, CBS Evening News, CNN, the News Hour, ABC World News Tonight, National Public Radio and numerous other media outlets. He has been twice recognized as one of the nation’s top nonprofit advocates by The Hill newspaper.

Before joining National Wildlife Federation in 2001, Symons served as Climate Policy Advisor at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Symons holds a Masters degree in Public Policy from Georgetown University and a Bachelors degree in Environmental Studies from Brown University.

The National Wildlife Federation is America's conservation organization inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future.

For Immediate Release
June 26, 2008

Contact:
- Christine Dorsey National Wildlife Federation, 802-505-0508, dorsey@nwf.org