John DeFillipo is a collaborative, innovative leader with decades of experience in wildlife advocacy and environmental education. In his role as Executive Director of the South Central Regional Center for the National Wildlife Federation, he leverages his talents in partnership development and nonprofit administration to champion wildlife protection, coastline resilience, Tribal relations, environmental justice, and renewable energy development. Prior to joining NWF, John led strategic visioning and long-term planning as the Executive Director of the Texas Conservation Alliance, NWF’s Texas affiliate.
Growing up in Northeast Mississippi, John and his family regularly went camping on the weekends, where he has fond memories of spending time in the great outdoors — canoeing, fishing, hiking, and even looking for bigfoot. These childhood adventures provided John with an innate sense of wonder that ignited his passion for the environment.
After acquiring his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Mississippi University for Women, John worked briefly in the corporate sector before embarking on his conservation career as a park ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and naturalist with the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. He later served in leadership roles at the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center and the Texas Conservation Alliance, where he created coalitions, advocated for policy change, and grew the organizations. Over his 30-year career, he has developed expertise in water conservation and protecting endangered species through education and research.
In 2022, John and colleagues at the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center were honored with the Leopold Conservation Award, one of the highest conservation recognitions in the United States. He assumed several roles at the Association of Nature Center Administrators and currently serves on the Dallas Water Commons Advisory Board. John lives with his husband in Dallas, and enjoys spending time with family, backpacking, and exploring national parks.
