Kim Martinez, Karla Raettig to Serve as NWF’s Chief Program, Chief Advocacy Officers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Kim Martinez and Karla Raettig will serve as the National Wildlife Federation's next Chief Program Officer and Chief Advocacy Officer, respectively, and help lead the 90-year-old organization in its implementation of its Strategic Plan. Martinez and Raettig are distinguished leaders who have spent decades working at the forefront of the conservation movement.

"The work of the National Wildlife Federation is more essential than ever as we tackle the interrelated biodiversity, climate, and environmental justice challenges of our time. Kim and Karla will strengthen how we work across landscapes and waterbodies to recover wildlife, enact climate solutions, and strengthen communities, while expanding education and advocacy efforts that empower current and future generations," said Collin O'Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. "Progress depends upon building bridges and engaging more people in this essential work, and Kim and Karla are fantastic additions to our leadership team as we work to advance durable solutions and mobilize the public at this critical moment for wildlife and people."

Martinez and Raettig will work with O'Mara, Executive Vice President Mustafa Santiago Ali, and the rest of the National Wildlife Federation's executive team to move the organization toward a more integrated and cohesive approach to its mission and strategic plan that is focused on addressing the interrelated wildlife, climate, and environmental justice crises. NWF's new approach will focus on creating stronger cross-team collaboration and ensure the organization's 52 state and territorial affiliates are at the center of new and ongoing conservation and education efforts.

"The National Wildlife Federation has an essential role to play building bridges, inspiring future generations, and forging durable, nature-based solutions that help wildlife and people thrive," Martinez said. "I am excited to step into this leadership role at this critical moment for NWF and our strategic plan. I look forward to working with Collin, staff, and our partners to achieve our ambitious and necessary goals."

"From its inception, the National Wildlife Federation has worked to build a movement to save what we share: wildlife, clean water and clean air, our public lands, and healthy communities," Raettig said. "I am honored to build upon this 90-year legacy and ensure that the National Wildlife Federation and the voices of our more than 7 million members and supporters resonate with decision-makers at all levels."

Martinez previously served as NWF's vice president of education where she oversaw the expansion of pre-K-12, higher education, youth leadership, and habitat and community programs serving more than 15,000 schools in the United States. Martinez also has led the nation's largest suite of urban habitat and K-16 conservation programs engaging millions of stewards for biodiversity across nearly half a million habitat projects.

Raettig has served as executive director of the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund, an independent 501(c)(4), since 2019. She previously led the Maryland League of Conservation Votes for 8 years and, before that, led NWF's Mississippi River Delta restoration program and helped pass the RESTORE Act. Prior to joining NWF, Karla practiced environmental law at the Environmental Integrity Project, the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic, and at the Seattle office of Earthjustice.