Refuge Association Staff

National Wildlife Refuge Association Appoints Desirée Sorenson-Groves As President & CEO

National Wildlife Refuge Association Appoints Desirée Sorenson-Groves As President & CEO

The National Wildlife Refuge Association announced today the appointment of Desirée Sorenson-Groves as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 7th, 2024. Ms. Sorenson-Groves is a proven leader in wildlife conservation with broad executive experience. 

National Wildlife Refuge Association President To Step Down; Search for Successor Begins

National Wildlife Refuge Association President To Step Down; Search for Successor Begins

The National Wildlife Refuge Association is announcing the upcoming departure of President Geoffrey Haskett, initiating a search for his successor. Haskett, who has served as President for the past seven years and has been based in Grants Pass, Oregon for the last two years, will be stepping down. The Board has decided to relocate the President position to the Washington, D.C. area. While the exact date of Haskett's departure is still to be determined, he has committed to collaborating with the Board to ensure a seamless transition. The position will be advertised shortly, inviting qualified candidates to apply.

President Geoffrey Haskett Champions BIDEH Rule & Funding For National Wildlife Refuges

President Geoffrey Haskett Champions BIDEH Rule & Funding For National Wildlife Refuges

President Geoffrey Haskett of the National Wildlife Refuge Association testified before Congress on the proposed revisions to the Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health (BIDEH) rule for the National Wildlife Refuge System.

A Journey Through The Heart Of Conservation: Exploring New Mexico's National Wildlife Refuges

A Journey Through The Heart Of Conservation: Exploring New Mexico's National Wildlife Refuges

New Mexico, known as the "Land of Enchantment," captivates visitors with its diverse landscapes, never-ending sunsets, and rich natural and cultural heritage. Recently, the National Wildlife Refuge Association's board and staff embarked on an inspiring journey to the heart of this enchanting state. The mission: to explore and gain insights from two exceptional national wildlife refuges - Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge and Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge.

David Raskin Joins National Wildlife Refuge Association As Alaska Conservation Consultant

David Raskin Joins National Wildlife Refuge Association  As Alaska Conservation Consultant

The National Wildlife Refuge Association is pleased to announce the addition of David Raskin, the long-time Board President and Advocacy Chair of the Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges, as a new consultant for the National Wildlife Refuge Association on Alaska's national wildlife refuge issues. After nearly two decades of dedicated service, David recently retired from the Board of the Friends of Alaska NWRs.

Friends Unite for Wildlife: National Workshop Brings Together Advocates for National Wildlife Refuge System

Friends Unite for Wildlife: National Workshop Brings Together Advocates for National Wildlife Refuge System

The National Wildlife Refuge Association recently joined forces with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to offer a National Friends Workshop, which took place from April 28th to May 1st, 2023. This workshop brought together Refuge and Hatchery Friends groups, nonprofits that support specific national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. These groups play a crucial role in the success of the National Wildlife Refuge System by providing financial support for facility and habitat projects, contributing numerous volunteer hours, and actively supporting advocacy initiatives.

We're Hiring: Development Intern

We're Hiring: Development Intern

The National Wildlife Refuge Association seeks a Development Intern who will work closely with the Director of Development. This internship position will provide substantial experience in non-profit development and management, grant writing, events planning, researching donor prospects, and solicitation strategizing, as well as gaining experience working at a national environmental non-profit.

Community Connections For Conservation: The Urban Wildlife Refuge Program In South Florida

Community Connections For Conservation: The Urban Wildlife Refuge Program In South Florida

Connecting people to nature for our sustainable future, join us as we speak to Liz Figueroa, South Florida Regional Partnership Specialist for the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s Urban Wildlife Refuge Program.

Josiah "JC" Boothe Recognized With Early Career Conservationist of the Year for USFWS Southwest Region Award

Josiah "JC" Boothe Recognized With Early Career Conservationist of the Year for USFWS Southwest Region Award

The National Wildlife Refuge Association’s own Josiah “J.C.” Boothe was recently recognized with the Early Career Conservationist of the Year for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Southwest Region Award for his excellent work at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Roswell, New Mexico.