Executive Director

• Mar 2022 - Present

Our mission is to achieve a durable, just transition away from polluting fossil fuels in the United States by advancing climate policy at the state level. We empower state and local policy makers, business leaders, and advocates with the information, resources, and networks they need to make these policies a reality in a way that best serves local communities. Our mission is to achieve a durable, just transition away from polluting fossil fuels in the United States by advancing climate policy at the state level. We empower state and local policy makers, business leaders, and advocates with the information, resources, and networks they need to make these policies a reality in a way that best serves local communities.

Executive Director

• Oct 2019 - Mar 2022

• Co-developed 5-year strategic plan with the Board of Directors with successful implementation of year one strategic goals, repositioning the organization as the conservation leader in South Florida. • Lead the engagement with Miami Dade County government, strengthening the voice of the organization in growth policies affecting South Florida’s ecosystems. • Lead conservation agenda for Everglades restoration, conservation of Biscayne Bay, and promotion of smart growth in Miami-Dade County. • Direct the implementation of the signature Tropical Audubon Ambassador’s Program, a conservation advocacy education program. • Contracted and oversaw the restoration of the historic Doc Thomas House where the organization is headquartered, with Phase I of the restoration being completed. Show less

Climate & Conservation Consultant

• 2018 - Oct 2019

Focused on delivery of high-impact conservation strategies and policies across multiple geographies and cultures. Offered environmental policy development and strategic planning for small- to medium-sized organizations and project planning and management for climate change and biodiversity initiatives. • Developed Florida energy regulatory assessment for a US foundation, identifying viable policy interventions to increase deployment of clean energy. • Advised Emirates for Nature WWF and Earth Matters Consulting regarding development of private-sector stakeholder engagement strategy for marine conservation and blue economy. The project resulted in a publication that has guided the organization’s work and government engagement. Show less

Climate & Conservation Director

• 2010 - 2017

Charged with ensuring impactful and professional Conservation delivery in the UAE. Key responsibilities included development of the Strategic Plan for biodiversity conservation for the organization, addressing climate change and reduction of carbon footprint, while aligning with WWF priorities, standards and guidelines. Also accountable for high level stakeholder engagement. Managed team of 26, including 5 Ph.Ds, 3 Program leaders and a scientific research team. Key contributor with a permanent seat at the Organization’s Management Team, and selected as EWS-WWF focal point representative for three WWF Practices (Wildlife, Governance and Markets).Key achievements:• Developed a high impact Conservation Strategy that was signed off by the board and regarded as best in class in setting a roadmap and elevating the caliber and reach of the organization’s Conservation agenda. • Led in partnership with the Emirates Standardization Authority, the development of a Vehicle Fuel Economy Standard for the UAE, that will result in a reduction of around 10 million tons of CO2e emissions when approved by the UAE Cabinet. The project developed a science based baseline, identified three policy scenarios and their economic, social, and environmental benefits and cost.• Enabled and secured budget for the design of a “first of its kind for the country” integrated Marine protected areas network. • Facilitated the development of energy modeling assessing 100%, 75% and 44% renewable energy targets for the UAE by 2050 which will be utilized by the Ministry of Energy to review its Energy Policy in 2018. • Coordinated the development of a proposed adaptation strategy for the UAE, integrating components of marine and terrestrial conservation, as well as an adaptation roadmap for UAE economic development goals. Show less

Senior Policy Advisor

• 2012 - 2014

Charged with advising the Policy Unit on flagship projects and initiatives for the organization. Key responsibilities included a) being the project manager for the Ecological Footprint Initiative, b) handling the Initiative Steering Committee , c) identifying and delivering substantial carbon emissions savings for the UAE, and d) providing comments to various government policies and strategies. Key achievements:• Envisioned, contracted the project charter and managed the development of a UAE mandatory lighting standard that resulted in the reduction of 940,000 tons of CO2e, equivalent to 165,000 less cars per year, while saving 182 million USD for the country. Led the development of a UAE indoor lighting baseline, and assessed carbon reduction potential and its benefits and costs from the perspective of society, government and individual consumer.• Supervised the implementation of the Private Sector Program, focused on increasing adoption of energy and water efficiency. Participated in the development of a survey of the private sector in the UAE resulting in the identification of barriers to the adoption of energy efficiency, presented to decision makers and private sector stakeholders and secured the adoption of key policy measures to scale up conservation impact. Show less

Policy Advisor

• 2010 - 2012

Charged with advising the Policy Unit and being the manager of the “Heroes of the UAE” project, aimed at supporting the private sector to reduce water and energy consumption. This was the first and only voluntary program in the UAE to have set reduction targets verified by a third party. Represented EWS-WWF in various policy discussions, including the development of Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision.Key achievements:• Engaged with private sector companies in meeting their commitments under the “Heroes of the UAE” campaign, guiding them in achieving their targets and securing certification on their declared accomplishments. Participating companies achieved 12% energy savings and 35% water savings per year.• Developed three technical guidelines and more than ten tools to support the private sector to reduce energy and water consumption. Undertook technical research, identified best international practices and developed practical guidelines that provided for the first time in the UAE easy to follow steps to reduce energy and water efficiency. Show less

Policy Consultant

• 2001 - 2003

Policy Consultant

• 2000 - 2002

Policy & Legislation Director

• 1996 - 2000

• Led the formulation of Colombia’s National Biodiversity Policy which was the first policy approved by the National Environmental Council. • Directed the development of Colombia’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan through the coordination of several working groups, including more than 90 experts, from 48 public and private institutions, that resulted in a widely accepted biodiversity strategy.

Sub-director of Forest Planning

• 1999 - 2000

• Led the design and development of Colombia’s National Forest Policy, the first environmental policy been approved by the National and Social Policy Council. • Led the design and development of Colombia’s National Forest Policy, the first environmental policy been approved by the National and Social Policy Council.