Areas of Expertise: American bison, black-footed ferret, prairie dogs

Chamois Andersen is Defenders of Wildlife's Senior Field Representative responsible for advancing the organization's Great Plains Program. She conducts science, policy advocacy and fieldwork toward the recovery of imperiled wildlife, including American bison, endangered black-footed ferrets, prairie dogs, and swift fox. She also works on grassland restoration projects aimed at conserving grassland birds such as sage grouse, mountain plover, and burrowing owl. For nearly a decade, with Defenders she has fostered key partnerships with Native American tribes and has helped with management of their buffalo herds. She also coordinates with state and federal agencies and nongovernment organizations on bison recovery, and works with private landowners on projects designed for better coexistence between agricultural operations and prairie dog conservation.

Andersen has a background in natural resource science and communications. She has worked in public affairs for the Colorado Division of Wildlife and California Fish and Game, and led outeach efforts for both agencies on how to recreate and live with wildlife. Prior to joining Defenders, she served as Executive Director of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation and led the organization's efforts to help restore grizzly bears to the Rocky Mountains. Major projects during her career include consulting on the United Nation's Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, and developing wildlife guides for California and Colorado, and conservation plans for marine and terrestrial species. Andersen believes strategic management plans, communications, and engagement with a diversity of stakeholders are key to the successful recovery of imperiled species and the habitats upon which they depend.

Andersen has B.S. in Environmental Science, from the University of Arizona and a B.A. from the Colorado College.