CONTACT: Mike Saccone, Communications Advisor, NWF Action Fund, SacconeM@nwf.org, 202-797-6634

WASHINGTON, D.C (April 30, 2019) — Karla Raettig, a national leader in the conservation movement, will serve as the Executive Director of the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund, the advocacy organization announced today. Raettig, who comes to the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters, is a proven champion for conservation with more than two decades of experience in environmental advocacy.

“Our wildlife heritage and ability to safeguard our clean water and air, public lands, wildlife and natural resources for future generations depends upon our ability to elevate and elect conservation champions at the local, state and federal levels. We’re excited for Karla to serve as Executive Director of the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund, where she will strengthen our commitment to bipartisan political advocacy and action,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund. “Karla’s tireless and effective approach to advocacy for wildlife and our natural resources will prove invaluable as we confront the great conservation challengers of our time.”

“The National Wildlife Federation Action Fund has a critical role to play elevating champions for wildlife and conservation on both sides of the aisle,” Raettig said. “I’m excited to bring my passion for conservation and experience to the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund. I’m eager to take its work, on behalf of wildlife and the environment, to the next level.”

Raettig served as executive director of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters starting in 2011, where she led efforts to restore Chesapeake Bay and make Maryland a national leader in clean energy and climate action. She has more than two decades of experience in conservation leadership, including serving as director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Louisiana Coastal Restoration program. She has an LL.M in environmental and natural resources law from Tulane University Law School and a J.D. from Lewis and Clark Law School.

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The National Wildlife Federation Action Fund (501(c)4) works to raise the visibility of key conservation issues with voters and elected officials. Through grassroots action and focused legislative campaigns, the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund advocates for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts from all walks of life and political stripes to ensure they have a voice in the democratic process.

To ensure a big tent for our shared conservation values, we remain fiercely bi-partisan and put conservation of our air, water, land and wildlife above political party.  We believe in bi-partisan solutions, and welcome all who are stewards of the earth to join us. We advocate for natural resource protection, wildlife conservation and outdoor education to meet our top goals of protecting wildlife and wild places and connecting people with nature.

The National Wildlife Federation Action Fund is the sister organization to the National Wildlife Federation, (501(c)3) America’s largest wildlife conservation organization. The National Wildlife Federation has been on the front lines for wildlife since 1936, fighting for the conservation values that are woven into the fabric of our nation’s heritage.