Keats joined Defenders in 2025 as a Senior Policy and Planning Specialist focused on National Forests and Grasslands. She works to protect wildlife, habitats, and biodiversity through policy, land use planning, and other strategies.

Before joining Defenders, Keats worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a Natural Resource Specialist in the Mountain Planning Service Group, where she focused on land management planning for at-risk species. In addition to her federal experience, she also brings a diverse background working for state and tribal governments.

Keats received her Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Oregon, M.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon, and B.S. in Environmental Studies from The College of Idaho.