WASHINGTON, D.C. – SEPTEMBER 12th, 2024 – The National Wildlife Refuge Association announced today the appointment of Desirée Sorenson-Groves as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective October 7th, 2024. Ms. Sorenson-Groves is a proven leader in wildlife conservation with broad executive experience. 

“We could not be more excited to welcome an executive the caliber of Desirée to the management team,” commented Major General (Ret.) E. Gray Payne, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. “She is a proven leader with a distinguished track record and extensive experience in wildlife conservation and National Wildlife Refuge System advocacy.” 

Ms. Sorenson-Groves joins the Refuge Association following her role as Vice President of Land and Habitat Conservation at Defenders of Wildlife where she led Defenders’ work to conserve public and private lands and waters important to protecting and maintaining biodiversity. Previously, Ms. Sorenson-Groves was Director of the Arctic Refuge Defense Campaign where she led a diverse and multi-pronged campaign of conservation with Indigenous organizations and partners from faith, environmental justice, veteran, hunting, outdoor recreation, wildlife, and climate groups. From 2005 to 2019, Ms. Sorenson-Groves served in a number of roles with the National Wildlife Refuge Association, including the Vice President, Government Affairs, and as Chair of the Cooperative Alliance for Refuge Enhancement. 

“I’m thrilled to return to the National Wildlife Refuge Association and lead the organization at such a critical time,” Sorenson-Groves commented. “The Refuge System is facing enormous challenges, and I know we can help.” 

“I am excited about the future of the organization and of the Refuge System,” said Lynn Scarlett, Vice Chair of the Association. “I have worked with Desirée since my tenure at the Department of the Interior and am thrilled she will lead the Association at such a critical time.” 

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The National Wildlife Refuge Association is a non-profit exclusively focused on protecting, promoting, and enhancing the 850-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, the world’s largest network of lands and waters set aside for wildlife conservation. 

For all media inquiries and questions, please contact Eden Taylor, Director of Communications & Marketing at etaylor@refugeassociation.org.