Defenders of Wildlife Announces Mike Senatore as New Senior Vice President of Conservation

Defenders of Wildlife is pleased to welcome Mike Senatore back to the organization as Senior Vice President of Conservation Programs. In this role, Mike will oversee Defender’s conservation science, legal and policy strategies. 

“With political attacks on our landmark laws like the Endangered Species Act piling up and the grave threat of losing one million species to extinction, there has never been a more critical time for wildlife,” said Jamie Rappaport Clark, Former president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife. “Mike Senatore’s depth of experience and passion for our nation’s environment will be an asset to Defenders of Wildlife as we focus on the challenges ahead while working tirelessly to protect wildlife and wild places.”

Senatore brings nearly 30 years of experience to the role having worked with federal natural resource and environmental laws including the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act. He is an expert in conservation litigation, policy development and implementation; analyzing, drafting and commenting on federal legislation and proposed regulations; and lobbying Congressional and agency staff. 

“We have a moral imperative to protect our nation’s threatened and endangered wildlife and our rich landscapes so that they remain for future generations,” said Senatore. “I am deeply committed to making sure that happens and look forward to continuing to collaborate with the incredible team at Defenders of Wildlife in my new role.” 

At Defenders, Senatore previously served as Vice President of Conservation Law and General Counsel. Senatore has a BS in biology from the University of Maine and JD from Suffolk University Law School.