Laura Sheehan Named Senior Vice President of External Affairs for Defenders of Wildlife

Defenders of Wildlife has welcomed Laura Sheehan as the Senior Vice President of External Affairs. She will be responsible for overseeing Defenders’ communications, marketing and government relations strategies. 

“Laura brings a rich background of strategic communications, marketing and government relations experience to Defenders of Wildlife,” said Jamie Rappaport Clark, Defenders of Wildlife’s former president and CEO. “She will be a significant asset as we expand our membership and supporter base, raise our profile to new audiences and maximize our conservation impact.” 

Sheehan is a seasoned public affairs expert with a proven track record in setting and achieving strategic visions. Prior to joining Defenders of Wildlife, she served in a variety of executive leadership roles at leading nonprofits, trade associations and public affairs agencies in Washington, D.C. 

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“There is no greater mission than to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves, and I am thrilled to lend my voice and experience to Defenders’ mission to help conserve imperiled wildlife and habitat,” said Sheehan.  

Sheehan has worked extensively in Democratic politics in both the House and Senate. She has served as spokesperson and democratic communications director for the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI). In addition, she was the policy director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and began her Capitol Hill career as a press secretary for former Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (D-CT).