Dexter Hedgepeth joined Defenders of Wildlife as Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) in January 2024, playing a key role in shaping Defenders' vision, programs, policies and communications, with a primary focus on embedding DEIJ at the core of the organization's mission. He was the Inaugural Officer for DEIJ at The Pew Charitable Trusts and The Pew Research Center. With over a decade of experience in DEI, administration, strategy and engagement, Dexter’s advocacy in workforce development, housing and unemployment, particularly in support of minority communities, has earned him widespread recognition.

Dexter earned his B.A. in politics, economics and law from the State University of New York Old Westbury and is working towards a M.S. in business management and leadership at the City University of New York. A native of Long Island, New York, Dexter is deeply committed to empowering communities and catalyzing positive change for wildlife.