WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 11, 2026) — Michael Washburn, an experienced conservation leader and nonprofit executive, will serve as the next Executive Director of the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund. Washburn, who has led the Kentucky Waterways Alliance for the past four years, is a proven bridgebuilder and advocate for wildlife, people, and the environment.

“From hunters to hikers and anglers to birders, the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund has brought people together to engage our leaders, candidates, and the public to achieve meaningful bipartisan victories for wild things and wild places. We’re excited to announce that Michael Washburn will carry forward this mission as the Action’s Fund’s next executive director,” said Gaspar Perricone, chairman of the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund’s Board of Directors. “Michael’s deep knowledge of conservation issues and strong bipartisan leadership make him uniquely suited to inspire the public and policymakers to confront the immense and interconnected challenges facing conservation today.”

“Whether in Kentucky, New York, or Washington, D.C., I have seen firsthand how engagement with the public and policymakers can deliver transformative results for wildlife and clean water,” Washburn said. “I am excited to build on that success by bringing more people into this work, building the public support that conservation needs, and reminding ourselves that the places we love are often where we discover what we have in common.”

Washburn has led the Kentucky Waterways Alliance, an affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation — the Action Fund’s legally distinct charitable nonprofit sister organization — since 2022. During Washburn’s time as executive director there, he grew the organization’s budget, capacity, and work in support of wildlife, environmental policy, habitat restoration, and community engagement.

Before leading Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Washburn held leadership positions at several nonprofits and universities, where he developed nationally recognized public humanities and civic engagement initiatives.

In addition to his long career in wildlife conservation and nonprofits, Washburn is a published author and journalist. Washburn, a native Kentuckian, attended the University of Chicago and the University of Louisville. He lives in Louisville, Ky., with his family.