Washington, DC – The Endangered Species Coalition Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Susan Holmes, a leader in coalition building and wildlife advocacy, as the new Executive Director. Susan succeeds Leda Huta who served as Executive Director from 2008-2023.
Susan Holmes brings over 25 years of experience in wildlife campaign management and wildlife policy to the leadership of the Endangered Species Coalition. Before joining the Endangered Species Coalition (ESC), Susan worked as the Wildlife Campaigns Director at Environment America. She has a proven record of excellence in designing and managing conservation campaigns, coalition building and leadership, and fundraising. She also brings expertise in protecting wildlife corridors and wildlife connectivity. She led the Connectivity Policy Coalition and played an important role in securing the first dedicated federal funding for wildlife road crossings. She previously served on the board of the Endangered Species Coalition and has worked for the Wildlands Network, Save Our Wild Salmon Coalition, Earthjustice, the Sierra Club, and the Harriman Institute at Columbia University. Susan received her BA from Dartmouth College and is a recipient of Dartmouth’s Nelson A. Rockefeller Distinguished Public Service Award.
“The Endangered Species Coalition has accomplished an enormous amount under Leda Huta’s leadership,” said Julie Gorte, PhD, Endangered Species Board Chair. “It is an honor to welcome another leader in environmental protection, Susan Holmes, to the role of Executive Director. Susan has served the organization as the board chair for many years, and ESC could not be in better hands.”
“I am honored to have been chosen to lead the Endangered Species Coalition and to build on its legacy of excellence in advocacy for our most vulnerable species,” said Susan Holmes. “In the US, one in five species are at risk of extinction. With over 401 member groups dedicated to protecting at-risk wildlife, ESC is a powerful voice at a critical time. My focus will be to support the dedicated groups and individuals of our coalition and our staff who are working to save our most endangered species — from wolves and grizzlies to monarch butterflies and right whales.”
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1 comment on “Endangered Species Coalition Welcomes Susan Holmes as Next Executive Director ”
Susan Holmes takes the helm of the Endangered Species Coalition at arguably the most challenging time in the organization’s long and accomplished history. Her exceptional qualifications and exceptional experience will serve the Coalition well in meeting the acute and urgent needs of endangered species.