The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

The Nature Conservancy is pleased to announce that Karen Wayland has accepted the position of Director of Climate Change Policy, effective April 4, 2011.

“We are pleased to welcome Karen Wayland to The Nature Conservancy,” said Mark Tercek, President and CEO of The Nature Conservancy. “Karen has a strong background in policy and science, which is a great fit for the organization.”

A graduate of Michigan State University, Wayland has a dual PhD in Geology and Resource Development. She brings a wealth of experience in climate, energy, and environmental policy and science.

Most recently, she served as senior advisor on energy and environmental issues to Speaker of House Nancy Pelosi. Prior to that position, she served as Legislative Director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, Science Fellow for Senator Harry Reid, and as a practicing scientist on natural resource management at several private-sector firms, Michigan State University, and the Earthwatch Institute.

In her new role, Wayland will be responsible for managing and integrating the organization’s international and U.S. climate policy teams.

Wayland added, “This is an exciting opportunity because The Nature Conservancy is uniquely positioned to engage in the climate policy debate here and abroad. I look forward to working with the Conservancy’s talented team on advancing solutions to the climate crisis.”