Thu Pham serves as Chief of Staff, managing the day-to-day operations of the President's office and working across the organization on strategic initiatives. Prior to joining the team, she served as Board secretary as well as several leadership positions on Defenders' Board of Directors.

Thu spent much of her career at Rachel's Network, first as program director, chief operating officer, and eventually leading the organization from 2010 to 2016. While at Rachel's Network, she developed programs to support women's networks, place women on national environmental boards and create a pipeline for future conservation leaders. She also directed the organization's c4, Rachel's Action Network. Prior to Rachel's Network, she worked on several Congressional campaigns and on Capitol Hill.

A graduate of UC Santa Barbara, Thu serves as a board director of The Boat Company and the Institute for Conservation Leadership.