People Behind The Impact

A global community of experts, partners, and advocates working together to protect wildlife and support the communities connected to them

Leadership Team

Our leadership team has a breadth of experience across conservation, science, policy, and global impact. They guide Wilder Institute’s direction, ensuring our work is grounded in evidence and shaped by collaboration.

Our Executive Team

Dr. Kyle Burks

President & Chief Executive Officer
A passionate conservation advocate with 20+ years of wildlife expertise and executive leadership, Dr. Burks leads the Wilder Institute with a deep commitment to a future where people and wildlife thrive together.

Jamie Dorgan

Chief Operating Officer
Jamie brings 20+ years of animal welfare and conservation management experience to his strategic oversight of Animal Care, Health & Welfare, Guest Services, Brand & Engagement, Facilities, and Conservation & Science.

Adrian Hamfelt

Chief Financial Officer
With 15+ years of international financial leadership experience, Adrian brings strategy and collaborative problem-solving to the financial stewardship of the Wilder Institute’s conservation mission.

Sapphire Husky

Chief People & Culture Officer
Sapphire builds the team that makes the Wilder Institute’s mission possible, lending her m15+ years of experience to champion workplace culture, strategic HR initiatives, and lead the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Accessibility Committee.

Dr. Gráinne 
McCabe

Chief Conservation Officer
A global conservation scientist with expertise spanning translocation programs and community conservation across 10 countries, Gráinne leads the strategic development of the Wilder Institute’s species recovery work.

Steven Ross

Chief Development & External Relations Officer
Steven mobilizes conservation action through storytelling, strategic partnerships, and nearly 20 years of fund development experience, leading fundraising, government relations, and communications for the Wilder Institute.

Our Senior Leadership Team

Colleen Baird

Director of Animal Care, Health & Welfare

Darryl Dziadyk

Director Facilities & Grounds

Jayleen Fowler

Director, People & Culture

Vanessa Frydman

Controller

Kathryne Gibson

Director Major Gifts

Jason Nate

Director of Information Technology

James Neilson

Director of Guest Services

Maureen Souply

Director of Learning and Engagement

Miriam Wilton

Director of Brand & Public Relations

Eileen Larney

Director of Field Conservation & Science

Carla Scherger

Executive Assistant to the President & CEO and Board Liaison

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors brings diverse perspectives and independent oversight to support sound decision-making and the long-term success of the Wilder Institute.

Jason Clifton

Board Chair

Harvey Doerr

Vice Chair, Secretary and Governance Committee Chair

Thomas Lui

Treasurer and Finance and Risk Committee Chair

Cindy Ady

Jennifer Cioffi

Bob Demulder

Jeff Hart

Sarah Midanik

Rachel Moore

Sheila O’Brien

Nuvyn Peters

Karen Prentice

Marie Rajic

Sonya Savage

Perry Spitznagel

Dr. Renate Weller

Andrea Robertson

Ambassador Cabinet

The Ambassador Cabinet is a group of influential advocates who help extend the reach of the work we do at the Wilder Institute. By sharing our story and engaging new audiences, they play an important role in building support for wildlife conservation.

Laureen Harper

How We Work Together

Bringing together experts and partners to support conservation.

Cross-Functional Teams

Teams across animal care, community engagement, scientific research, and policy work together to address complex conservation challenges.

Global Collaboration

We partner with communities, organizations, and governments worldwide to strengthen conservation outcomes.

Action-Oriented Conservation

Our work is grounded in practical solutions, applying research and lived experience to create real impact.

Work With Us
to Protect Wildlife​

Join a global community working to advance conservation through science, collaboration and action. Help shape a stronger future for wildlife and people.