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WWF contracts with new Development Director

(Washington Wildlife Federation)

February 8, 2010

For Immediate Release
Contact: Ellen Hiatt Watson
Washington Wildlife Federation Development Director
Email: ellen@washingtonwildlife.org

Subject: Washington Wildlife Federation plans for growth with new development director

The Washington Wildlife Federation has put in place Ellen Hiatt Watson to fill the new role of development director. The WWF, formed more than two decades ago, advocates for fish and wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation.

Its programs include the Teaming With Wildlife Coalition, a force of more than 5,900 organizations mobilized to support increased funding for State Wildlife Grants and climate change legislation.

Washington Outdoor Women is also a program of the WWF, and regularly provides training for women who want education and more direct experience with the outdoors. They recently teamed with Ducks Unlimited and the French Creek Hunt Club for a new introduction to waterfowling, one of many courses held.

“I’m very excited to begin my new role with the Federation,” said Watson. “Their goals align perfectly with mine in terms of conservation and education. The more we help people understand and participate in the natural environment, the more they’ll want to conserve it for this generation and the next.”

Watson is a former journalist and marketing consultant who also formed a non-profit in response to overdevelopment concerns in North Snohomish County. Her advocacy there brought her to local politics where she ran for office in 2009.

The experiences have made her particularly suited to this role at the federation, said Mark Quinn, WWF President.

“Ellen has a proven track record for building community, membership in an organization, and fund-raising. Just as importantly, she’s committed to our goals at the federation and we’re looking forward to growing with her help,” said Quinn.

Watson will begin her work by traveling to Washington D.C. at the end of February to advocate for climate change legislation, in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation.

For more information, visit www.washingtonwildlife.org, or contact Watson at (425) 776-3735.

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