Leigh Whelpton Email & Phone Number

Expanding the use of blended finance strategies offers our best hope to achieve meaningful impact for human health and equity, climate change, land and water conservation, and biodiversity. By increasing capacity, confidence, and connections among a growing network of public, private, and nonprofit professionals, we can increase the amount of capital available for innovative—and effective—projects and efforts. The Conservation Finance Network (CFN) was founded in 2012 to accelerate the pace and scale of land and resource conservation, restoration, and stewardship by expanding the use of innovative and effective funding and financing strategies. As a trusted community of practice, we help practitioners develop and scale conservation finance approaches that increase their access to capital and environmental markets. CFN builds and supports a growing practitioner network through convenings, technical assistance, intensive workshops, and timely and actionable insight to increase the financial resources deployed for conservation.

Arlington, Va

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Co-founded and launched the Yale Environment Review, an online publication that disseminates impactful scientific research findings to better inform key industry and professional stakeholders. Co-led the Sustainability Leaders Speaker Series featuring influential thought leaders in business and sustainability. Assisted with the 2012 Conservation Finance Camp for financial innovation in land conservation.

Attended meetings and prepared reports, policy analysis, and speeches on issues of post-conflict peace building and sustainable development.

Otjiwarongo, Namibia

Managed and administered interdisciplinary and applied research, conservation, and education programs. Planned and facilitated four multi-week “train the trainer” courses on integrated livestock and wildlife management and conservation biology for professionals and academics from cheetah-range countries. Served as network coordinator for the Large Carnivore Management Association of Namibia. Orchestrated and helped implement ecotourism business, livestock guarding dog program, FSC-Certified Bushblok compressed fuel log business, volunteer program, craft program for local women, and daily operations.

Mesc, Political Ecology Of Conservation & Development

Conservation finance, landscape-scale conservation, political ecology.

Bs, Conservation & Resource Studies, Honors

Activities and Societies: Cal Women's Crew (NCAA Division I Champions, 2006)Political ecology, environmental problem solving, wildlife.