As someone who cares about the future of America’s wildlife, I am extremely disturbed by multiple news stories reporting that staff at Defenders of Wildlife have been bullied, intimidated, and disempowered under your leadership. It is even more shocking to learn that this conduct has resulted in 80% of your staff departing the organization since 2019.

The fact that this conduct has continued for years under your leadership implies that you as President and CEO are either incapable or unwilling to address the concerns cited by your staff, the press, and multiple independent consultants. A statement made by your VP of Communications characterizing the National Labor Relations Board’s decision to prosecute Defenders for multiple labor law violations as “not a finding of any wrongdoing” suggests a distressing lack of appreciation for how serious those violations were.

Donating money to a non-profit is an act of public trust. Defenders of Wildlife's supporters and partners expect this organization – and you, as its leader – to uphold the values you advertise: integrity, transparency, and accountability. Those who donate money expect it to go toward protecting polar bears, sea otters, manatees, orcas, wolves, pollinators and other precious wildlife from extinction. Using it to pay expensive attorneys who work to undermine your staff union and litigate against the federal labor board is a violation of that public trust, as well as a disgrace to Defenders’ reputation as a faithful trustee of North America’s natural heritage. Given your numerous staff vacancies and increasing turnover rate, it also does not appear to be a successful business strategy.

Stop violating labor law. Negotiate a fair contract with your staff, and invest in their welfare. If you are unable to do this, then I demand you resign as President and CEO of Defenders. With all the crises facing America’s wildlife today, we cannot afford to squander the energy and passion of people working to protect them.