Ben Prater Email & Phone Number

Asheville, North Carolina Area

As Southeast Program Director I am responsible for supervising and providing strategic direction to Southeast Field Conservation staff members and coordinating/collaborating with other program staff co-located in the region, ensuring the effective implementation of Defenders’ conservation programs and efficiently and effectively managing the office. Areas of focus include conserving priority imperiled wildlife, including red wolves, Florida panthers, manatees, freshwater mussels, freshwater fish, amphibians, whales, and migratory shorebirds; addressing the biggest threats to imperiled species (unsustainable forestry practices, agricultural practices, mining, coastal development, and climate change) by working with state and federal agencies; maintaining and enhancing the ecological integrity of priority wildlife habitat; implementing human-wildlife coexistence programs and projects; promoting environmentally responsible energy development; and, maintaining and enhancing the conservation of biodiversity in general.

Asheville, North Carolina Area

• Responsible for management and oversight of all conservation programs of Wild South across its entire region and sphere of influence including: public lands protection, wildlife conservation, wilderness preservation, and community engagement. • Coordinate the public lands stewardship and wildlife conservation programs across eight states in an effort to protect and restore native ecosystems. Collaborate and coordinate with numerous agencies, organizations, and local communities to achieve results.• Supervise seven conservation staff positions; responsible for conservation staff recruitment and development and designating programmatic priorities.• Implement and oversee all conservation related communications, outreach, and advocacy efforts. Maintain website and manage social media. • Develop strategic partnerships across the region to advance the protection, restoration, and stewardship of public lands in the South.• Assist Executive Director in managing personnel and company financials. Support Executive Director and Development Director in managing grants, major gifts, and network of supporters. • Supervise Conservation Fellows program to recruit, train, and engage students as interns producing meaningful projects that benefit the organization’s mission and provide career development opportunities.• Recruit and engage community volunteers in special events and stewardship work to restore habitats.• Routinely demonstrate leadership abilities, communication skills, knowledge of local ecology, and a passion for environmental issues facing the Southeast.

Asheville, North Carolina Area

• Responsible for providing excellent customer service and expert advice on outfitting people for outdoor adventures. • Serve as lead outdoor school instructor teaching several of our basic skills courses. • Nominated for Anderson Award in 2012 for living REI’s values of authenticity, quality, service, respect, integrity, and balance.

• Created and instructed environmental education activities displaying organizational skills and creativity. • Managed Nature Center as an educational facility and interpretive center. • Exhibited leadership skills and demonstrated the ability to train staff and delegate authority.

Masters, Environmental Management

B.S. Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Forest Ecology

Activities and Societies: Philomathean Society, Student Government Association, Nature S.A.F.E.

Education record

Attended National Collegiate Honors Society Grand Canyon Semester