Defenders of Wildlife Names Dr. Lindsay Rosa as Center for Conservation Innovation Director

Defenders of Wildlife is pleased to announce that Dr. Lindsay Rosa is the new director of Defenders’ Center for Conservation Innovation (CCI). Rosa joined Defenders in 2019 as head of CCI’s science team. 

“Dr. Lindsay Rosa is an incredible research scientist, having led Defenders’ science team for the past three years to ensure that quality science is used to inform and improve biodiversity conservation policies and practices. We are thrilled to have her take the reins as the next director of our Center for Conservation Innovation,” said Jamie Rappaport Clark, Defenders’ former president and CEO. “Her passion for environmental protection as well as her deep knowledge in natural resources will be invaluable in our ongoing efforts to expand protections for imperiled species.”  
 
As director, Rosa will lead staff in the Center’s science, technology, and policy teams as they work to generate data and tools for strengthening implementation of the Endangered Species Act and other conservation laws as well as developing science-driven policy recommendations. 

“Science, technology, and policy must inform one another if we are to make effective progress in protecting imperiled species and their habitats. There has never been a more urgent need for progress,” said Rosa. “I am thrilled to step into this new role and continue this important work.”

Rosa came to Defenders with over a decade of experience in the conservation science community, working with interdisciplinary teams to apply data and technology to issues related to biodiversity, climate change, and adaptive management. 

She has served as a faculty member at Middlebury College and as a lead geospatial data manager for the State of Vermont. She holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from Colby College and a master's degree and Ph.D. in Natural Resources and the Environment from the University of Connecticut.