Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation's Blog

November 2011

Open House to Welcome Leigh Work New Executive Director of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation

The Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce their selection of Leigh Baker Work, as the new Executive Director for the Foundation. Ms. Work joined the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation at the end of October.

Leigh moved to the region in 1991 and since then has worked as an environmental educator, wildlife biologist, and conservationist. Leigh has a great depth of experience in working with local landowners, conservation non-profits, local, state, and federal agencies. She respects the spectrum of opinions found within the region and its communities, especially in regards to wildlife. She looks forward to using her skills and expertise to assist the JHWF in making a positive and lasting impact to benefit our region’s wildlife.

Leigh completed her Master’s degree in Environmental Management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies with a focus in international wildlife conservation and protected areas management. Leigh then worked as a field biologist for the Wildlife Conservation Society, and spent 3 years studying the impacts of natural gas development on pronghorn antelope working around the oil and gas fields of Pinedale, Wyoming. Most recently Leigh has worked as an ecologist with the Conservation Research Center of the Teton Science Schools on a project to assess mule deer and road crossings in Teton County. Her passions lay in wildlife conservation and, most importantly, her husband Chet and their twin daughters and son.

Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation Board President, Bob Kopp, said “the board is very excited to welcome Leigh as the executive director. Leigh brings a great depth of skills, knowledge of the ecosystem and the community. We can’t wait for her to join us.”

Leigh expressed her own enthusiasm about her new position and said “I believe in the words of cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead in that small efforts by committed citizens can change the world and that this effort exemplifies the work of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation. I am thrilled to be coming on board as the new executive director. I look forward to connecting with the Jackson community soon from my new position and continuing the Foundation’s work of helping our community to live compatibly with our amazing wildlife.”

Ms. Work can be reached c/o the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation beginning on October 31. The Foundation’s office number is 307-739-0968. General e-mail can be sent to the following
e-mail: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Nancy Shea had been serving as the Acting Executive Director for the Foundation throughout the summer. Nancy is also on the move and was recently selected as the Director of Education for Nature Bridge at Golden Gate National Recreation Area, formerly called Headlands Institute in Sausalito, California. Congratulations to Nancy!