Robert Dewey

Robert Dewey has always been interested in wildlife and wild places, but a tour of the West’s great national parks during college, and his opposition to the then Reagan Administration’s environmental policies, prompted his career in conservation.
Now as Defenders’ vice president of government relations and external affairs, Robert still finds it motivating to work against government policies with which he disagrees.
“Protecting wildlife habitat is the most important thing we can do to ensure the safety of endangered species — making it happen in the current hostile political climate is perhaps our biggest legislative challenge.” Robert says his 11-year-old daughter, an ardent conservationist herself, helps to motivate him through what seem like insurmountable political challenges.
“As a parent, I’m compelled to leave a legacy of wildlife and wild places for my daughter and for other future generations.
And what’s really encouraging is that poll after poll shows that most Americans agree that we should protect our natural resources and our wildlife heritage.
I’m passionate about bringing that point home to decision-makers in D.C.” Robert has a master of studies in law from the Vermont Law School.