ABOUT US
The Wildlife Restoration Foundation brings healthy wildlife back to America’s land and seascapes. The work we do as a nongovernmental organization is rooted by partnerships and is growing fast. We empower partners to intervene with innovative—and very direct—conservation measures on the ground and in the water.
.jpg)
Mission
Directly and measurably increase park wildlife population viability, health, and security through partnerships.
Vision
Native wildlife in parks thriving in ecological balance with habitat and through shared stewardship.
What We Do
-
Zoo-Park Partnerships (ZPPs)™
-
Aquarium-Sanctuary Partnerships™
-
Wildlife Coexistence Strategies
Board of Directors
The members of the WRF board represent philanthropists and experts in wildlife and habitat recovery, management and science, animal husbandry and health, technology, infrastructure and media.
Meet the Team
​
WRF staff work closely with both government and private sectors to establish productive and targeted partnerships to benefit wildlife.
WRF Project Partners implement wildlife recovery solutions in the field—both in situ and ex situ—and include government agencies, nonprofits, Tribes, and businesses that seek collaboratively-derived wildlife coexistence and support strategies.
Julie Anton Randall
Founder & President
The founder of WRF, Julie brings 20+ years of leadership experience focused on the survival of wildlife, ranching, and Tribal communities—a commitment built on a family legacy of farming the West by 1865. Julie coordinated the 130-member American Bison Coalition for naming bison the U.S. National Mammal. For 6 years, she facilitated 6 agency directors on the North American Intergovernmental Committee on Wilderness & Protected Areas Conservation. She managed the North American Save the Rhinos Campaign for 3 years and has consulted on projects for dozens of NGOs, including Wilderness Foundation Africa’s anti-poaching projects. Julie was WILD Foundation VP of Programs and USDA agricultural economist with the Agricultural Marketing Service, first to staff the National Organic Program. She holds a B.A. from U.C. Santa Barbara and M.A. from Stanford University and is WRF President.
Tucker Downs
Director of Operations
Having over 10 years’ experience working in zoos, Tucker has worked as a Large Mammal/Senior Elephant Zoologist at Dallas Zoo since 2019. He has also served as an animal care volunteer, education mentor, and conservation interpreter at Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas, and presented at the Elephant Managers Association conference. Holding a B.S. in Zoo Science & Business Administration from Friends University, he has applied his ex situ conservation expertise working on several endangered species’ responsible breeding programs. Tucker manages WRF accounts and other vital operational functions, while also working to secure rhino zoo partners for the iMfolozi Project.
Scott Wilkerson
Director of Partnership Development
Scott is a career Marketing Strategist with a lifelong passion for wildlife conservation. With over 20 years at HawkPartners, a boutique consultancy, Scott applies an extensive track record as a lead brand, communications and marketing strategist for Fortune 500 companies. Scott has a B.A. from Boston College and M.A. in International Economics from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. Scott serves as a Partner in Conservation for the World Wildlife Fund and as a Steward for the C&O Canal Trust . From his base in Bethesda, Maryland, Scott leads WRF’s corporate partner engagement and Park Experience major donor program, as well as advising on WRF marketing and donor communication strategies.
_JPG.jpg)
Kayla Andra
Program Manager
A Utah native, Kayla is a marine scientist dedicated to wildlife conservation. With a B.S. in Natural Science from Utah Tech University and M.S. in Applied Ocean Science from the University of Cape Town, she is most passionate about communications and the interconnectedness of social and ecological systems. Her diverse roles include science curriculum developer, Blue Parks Conservation Scientist for the Marine Conservation Institute, Taxonomist for Pivotal, and published academic and children's book author. Kayla serves on WRF's iMfolozi Project and NABS teams, driving conservation efforts through grant writing and scientific expertise.
Sydney Payne
Program Manager
Originally from Georgia, Sydney began her career in conservation by following her childhood dream and studying marine biology at Florida Gulf Coast University. There she gained experience with multiple sea turtle research projects, and worked within Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve as a biologist and environmental educatuor. After graduating she went on to work at Georgia Aquarium, where she helped develop an initative in partnership with NOAA that developed research projects in K-12 schools. Sydney now brings 4 years of project coordinating experience to our team. She currently manages our Zoo-Park Partnership program, Vendor/ Exhibitor Relations for our summits, and our new hire and onboarding process.
Michael DeLuca
Wildlife Conservation Specialist
Michael developed an interest in conservation through environmental education, beginning his career with Nature’s Classroom after graduating from Iona University 2017. He spent several years working across New England leading outdoor education programs, and later in Yellowstone National Park as well. Michael is passionate about making environmental topics more accessible and helping people build a stronger connection to the natural world. He is currently completing his MBA with Iona University and is interested in how program development, communication, and data can support impactful conservation work
Quinn Donahue
Wildlife Conservation Specialist
A Chicago native, Quinn is a marine scientist dedicated to wildlife conservation and public outreach/education regarding wildlife. With a B.S. in Marine Science-Biology and B.A. in Political Science from the University of Tampa, she is most passionate about wildlife conservation through collaborative work and research. Quinn is a Wildlife Conservation Specialist with WRF and has been working on the CW Summit team
Addison Dunn
Tech Advisor
Committed to using technology to support science and communications applications that benefit wildlife and parks and WRF’s partnerships, He holds B.S. in Computer Science & Business from the University of Virginia. His work experience includes sales for Zello, a walkie-talkie mobile app company based in Austin, Texas, and his current role as full stack engineer at Dimagi, a socially impactful technology company with operations in the United States, India and South Africa designed to build mobile apps that provide better data and new tools for solving societal problems. Addison serves as WRF’s Tech Manager, providing vital solutions to complicated tech problems.
Eric Douglass
Wildlife Conservation Specialist
Eric holds a Bachelor's of Science from Clemson University in Forestry Management and a minor in Business Administration. His focus is in managing our natural resources for the benefit for all, specially wildlife habitat destruction, restoration and management. His professional experience includes forestry consultation, wildlife management, tree propagation and soil science. He is passionate about creating a world where wildlife and humans can have a synergistic relationship through responsible land management, ethical game management and a overall appreciation for our natural world.
Hannah Knight
Wildlife Conservation Specialist
Hannah has lived in Texas for most of her life, and received her Bachelor's of Science from Texas A & M University. She studied parks and tourism in college and interned with the Tourism Department in College Station, TX. The environment and its longevity is her passion in life. She recognizes the importance of balance when it comes to National Parks and the tourism within them. Hannah is focusing on identifying valuable Models & Methodologies in the recreation and tourism industries for our Collaborating with Wildlife Summit.
Giana Galeno
Wildlife Conservation Specialist
Giana has worked as an animal care specialist and in leadership roles in zoos for a combined 15 years. She has additional experience working in wildlife rehabilitation, as a veterinary assistant, as a dog trainer, and in animal shelters. She has a Master's in Conservation Biology through Project Dragonfly, and spent time doing field work in Belize. Her passions are conservation, animal welfare and behavior, and creating meaningful connections between people and the natural world. Training diverse species has shown her the beauty of finding a common language through shared motivation. She believes just as we bridge gaps with animals, we can find unique ways to inspire people to connect with and protect the natural world. She lives in rural Missouri outside of the Kansas City area, and adores gardening and spending time in nature with her dog.
Dharma Gergenson
Wildlife Conservation Specialist
Kelsey knew she wanted to pursue a career in conservation after visiting Yellowstone National Park as a child. She received her B.S. in Integrated Science and Technology (focus on Environment and Energy) from James Madison University. After graduation, she became a Program Coordinator at the Center for Sustainable Energy to help administer incentive programs for renewable energy infrastructure in New York. Kelsey now works as a supervisor at Big Sky Resorts, at home in the area that first sparked her passion for conservation. Kelsey serves as WRF's Beary Program Coordinator for Big Sky.
Natasha Igartua-Brown
Wildlife Conservation Specialist
Natasha has built a career rooted in a passion for environmental stewardship and sustainable living. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Marine Resources Management and her Master’s degree in Sustainability from Everglades University in Florida, combining her love for the ocean with a broader focus on environmental impact and solutions. Driven by a lifelong commitment to conservation, she is dedicated to protecting wildlife and promoting sustainable practices. Natasha currently serves as WRF’s Wildlife Conservation Specialist, working closely with leadership and cross functional teams to support the planning and execution of conservation focused summits and initiatives.
_cr2.jpg)
Cooper LaRue
Wildlife Conservation Specialist
Cooper is a North Carolina native. He brings 6 years of experience in construction and 3 years of experience in sustainable landscape design. He is passionate about establishing and promoting ecologically sound development practices and spreading awareness through art and community about how we as a society can coexist with the natural world more harmoniously
Averee Luhrs
Wildlife Conservation Specialist
Raised on the prairies of Central Iowa, Averee is an environmental anthropologist fascinated by ways we connect to nature and wildlife. Averee holds a B.S. in Zoology from Drake University, an MSc in Primate Conservation from Oxford Brookes University, and an M.A. in Anthropology from University of Texas at San Antonio. Currently she is exploring how knowledge is created, shared, and understood in zoo conservation for her PhD in Anthropology at UT San Antonio. Averee is on WRF’s Models & Methodologies lead team for the upcoming Collaborating with Wildlife and Bison Summits.
Virginia Vichi-Miller
Wildlife Conservation Specialist
Virginia is a science communicator with a background in cultural anthropology and environmental studies. She received her B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from Elon University and went on to receive her M.S. in Anthropology with a focus on sustainability from Utrecht University. Her graduate research focused on place identities and how people experience and respond to environmental changes. Virginia's love of both animals and nature cemented her passion for wildlife conservation at a young age, with a particular love for the ocean and marine conservation. During her free time, she volunteers at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab to educate the public about the island's native flora and fauna.
Sadé Montgomery
Wildlife Conservation Specialist
Sadé is a wildlife conservation specialist and one of the fundraising leads at the Wildlife Restoration Foundation. She holds a Master’s degree in Marine Mammal Science from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, where she focused on reproductive sciences and species restoration. Her experience includes hands-on research with marine mammals, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, and supporting reintroduction programs. At WRF, she combines field experience, scientific expertise, and fundraising efforts to advance conservation initiatives, engage communities, and make a lasting impact on wildlife and their habitats.
​
Victoria Newman
Wildlife Conservation Specialist
Victoria is a graduate student at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. She earned her B.S.B.A. in Management and Marketing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and is currently pursuing a dual master’s degree in Sustainability (M.S.) and Business Administration (MBA). With a lifelong love for wildlife and marine ecosystems, Victoria is passionate about wildlife conservation, biodiversity, and protecting the ecosystems species depend on. She serves as an Animal Conservation Specialist, supporting initiatives focused on wildlife protection and environmental stewardship, and is especially interested in conservation efforts that protect vulnerable species and promote long-term ecological sustainability.
Haley Pavano
Recreation Specialist
Hayley comes to us with a diverse background in recreation and tourism. She has volunteered and work all over the country and the world on conservation projects in the outdoor recreation industry from Hawaii to Madagascar. As of late, she has been entrenched in the outdoor recreation industry as a guide and a photographer. She is passionate about how the recreation industry and conservation can work together to better the environment.
Summer Ward
Wildlife Conservation Specialist
Summer holds a Bachelor's degree in Art Education from BYUI. Her work often centers around reptiles and amphibians, with a focus on raising awareness for animals and conservation. Summer's professional experience includes teaching at the college level, creating and selling her own work, and co-owning a reptile education company. She is passionate about event planning and raising funds for programs that help protect and support the environment.
Jessica Wenclawiak
Wildlife Conservation Specialist
Jessica is a biologist who enjoys all things related to wildlife. With a B.S. in Biology from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) and a M.S. in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston, she has an extensive research background in population ecology and aquatic toxicology. After earning her master's, she worked as a contractor with NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science and recently moved to Southern California. Jessica is excited to use her scientific background to support WRF operations.
WRF Advisors
WRF Advisors are esteemed colleagues with expertise in wildlife and habitat field conservation and other matters directly connected to the WRF mission. WRF calls upon them to provide keen insights and valuable advice on best practices and novel approaches to conducting the highest priority wildlife restoration measures in and around parks with help of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, park gateway communities, and other WRF partners.
.jpg)
Acknowledgements
Arnold & Porter provides expert and comprehensive legal services to WRF on a pro bono basis.
​
Cbiz is providing pro bono accounting services to WRF.
​
Ctp Boston is a pro bono member of WRF's creative team.
Anna Mullin designed the logo for WRF and is an illustrator currently living in Denver, CO. She works in many mediums and outlets in her spare time, and recently published her first children's book "One Tomato."