OTTAWA, Ontario, Aug. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is thrilled to announce the hiring of Sean Southey as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With a strong background in conservation leadership, Southey will spearhead the organization's mission to connect Canadians with nature and restore endangered habitats. His extensive experience in international development, communications, and conservation sectors will be instrumental in advancing CWF's top priorities, including transformative education. He will officially take on his new role on Sept. 16, 2024.
"During this critical time for wildlife in Canada, Sean Southey's extensive experience and deep commitment to conservation will play a pivotal role in advancing a conservation ethic which is instrumental to supporting key species and their habitats," stated Brad Leyte, President of the CWF Board of Directors.
With more than 30 years of experience, Southey has served in various roles, including five years with a provincial environment ministry, 12 years with a United Nations environment team, and ongoing involvement with non-governmental organizations. Notably, he spent a decade as the President of PCI Media, a conservation NGO based in New York City. He has received more than 100 awards for his outstanding work in reaching diverse audiences with wildlife and planet-saving information.
Southey's appointment as CWF’s CEO follows the retirement of Rick Bates, who served 16 years with the charity leaving a significant legacy of growth and achievement. Bates expressed his congratulations to his successor, highlighting Southey's prior involvement with CWF as a volunteer member of the Advisory Board of the CWF Canadian Conservation Corps youth program. Having also worked alongside Southey on the Council for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature for the last eight years, Bates is confident in this transition and excited for the future of CWF. Southey will continue to serve as the Chair of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Commission on Education and Communication (CEC) for the next year until his term is completed.
Looking ahead, CWF has outlined its key priorities for the next five years, which include advancing nature-based solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss while providing Canadians with the training and resources to inspire conservation.
“I am honored and excited to join CWF,” said Southey, who will be based at the head office in Kanata, Ont. “The work we do is so important for the people, wildlife and habitats of this beautiful country. We have much to do but I am confident that this amazing team and organization will continue to play its part in helping build a true culture of conservation across Canada.”
CWF extends its gratitude to all the applicants who expressed interest in the CEO position.
For more information about the Canadian Wildlife Federation and its initiatives, visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca.
About the Canadian Wildlife Federation
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to conserving Canada’s wildlife and habitats for the use and enjoyment of all. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on wildlife and the environment, carrying out actions to conserve and restore species and habitats, developing and delivering conservation education programs, advocating for changes to government policy and programs, and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. For more information, visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca.
Contacts:
Heather Robison
Media and Community Relations Officer
heatherr@cwf-fcf.org
613-599-9594 x 212
or
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f20b7ee1-bc69-4430-80b2-b26d836c9ea7
