📷 Sunrise at Bull’s Island on Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, SC | USFWS

WASHINGTON, DC – November 14th, 2024 – The National Wildlife Refuge Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Shampa Panda-Bryant to its Board of Directors. She brings a wealth of experience to the Refuge Association, with a focus on natural resource regulations and wildlife conservation. Her expertise will be a valuable asset.

Shampa is currently a Senior Associate in the Environmental Practice Group of Arnold & Porter in Washington D.C., where she advises clients on complex environmental and natural resource regulatory matters. Before joining Arnold & Porter, she was a trial attorney in the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, which she joined through the Attorney General’s Honors Program. There, she litigated high-profile cases under the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Her exceptional work has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Outstanding Performance Award, for her defense of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s management of the endangered red wolf and for her animal welfare work.

“We are thrilled to welcome Shampa Panda-Bryant to our Board of Directors,” said Desirée Sorenson-Groves, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. “Her deep understanding of conservation issues will be invaluable as we continue our efforts to safeguard our nation’s wildlife refuges and the incredible species that depend on them.”

“Shampa’s impressive background and passion for wildlife conservation make her an outstanding addition to our team,” added Major General USMC (Ret.) E. Gray Payne, National Wildlife Refuge Association Board Chair. “Her insights and experience in environmental policy will greatly enhance the Refuge Association’s ability to advocate for the Refuge System and protect our nation’s most treasured lands and waters.”

“From my first conversation with Shampa, it was clear that she would bring enthusiasm, commitment and smarts to the National Wildlife Refuge Association Board,” said Ben Gregg, Board Member.  “I look forward to working with her as we advocate for sustaining wildlife refuges as they play a critical role in reversing the cascading loss of wildlife in the U.S. and around the world.”

About Shampa Panda-Bryant

Shampa Panda-Bryant has a distinguished career in environmental law, with significant experience in federal litigation and regulatory compliance. She began her legal career as a clerk for the Honorable Henry F. Floyd in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and for the Honorable David C. Norton in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. Shampa holds a law degree from the University of California at Berkeley School of Law, where she served as Senior Articles Editor of the Ecology Law Quarterly. She is also an alumna of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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As the leading independent voice advocating on behalf of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wildlife Refuge Association protects, promotes, and enhances America’s wildlife heritage through strategic programs that serve the System and wildlife beyond its boundaries. The organization addresses Refuge System funding, management, and strategic growth, while also promoting programs that maximize the system’s conservation impact.

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