About WLT-US

Dr. Robert S. Ridgely
Honorary President
Robert is a noted author and conservationist. Robert is a leading expert on the birds of South America and a proponent of private reserve systems as a conservation strategy for endangered species. Previously, he served as Director of International Conservation at National Audubon Society and of the Center for Neotropical Ornithology at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. He is an ornithologist and the author of many important books on Neotropical birds, including the acclaimed Birds of South America, Birds of Ecuador, Birds of Panama, and Hummingbirds of Ecuador. Robert received a BA from Princeton University, an MS in Zoology from Duke University, and a PhD in Forestry and Environmental Studies from Yale University. In 2001 he received the Eisenmann Medal from the Linnaean Society of New York.

Dr. Paul Salaman
Chief Executive Officer
At the age of eight Paul met Sir David Attenborough and became enthused by conservation and natural history. By age 14 Paul was managing a small nature reserve in London and travelling by train across the UK birding. As an undergraduate, Paul led a series of expeditions across Colombia, spending a total of over three years in the field that culminated in a new national park and creating four nature reserves. He has described four bird species new to science, including the Choco Vireo--which he discovered at the age of 19. In 1998, Paul helped found Fundación ProAves, which has become one of the most effective conservation organizations in South America. After graduating with a D.Phil from the University of Oxford in 2001, Paul undertook a post-doctoral fellowship at The Natural History Museum, before coordinating biodiversity science in the Andes for Conservation International and serving as Director of International Programs at American Bird Conservancy. Paul joined WLT-US in 2008 as the Director of Conservation and was appointed the CEO in January 2012.

Nichole Baker
Director of Donor Relations
Nichole joins the WLT-US team with a wealth of experience in conservation management, fundraising, and event planning learned from her 7 years in the San Francisco Bay Area working first with The Nature Conservancy and then Wildlife Conservation Network. She manages donor cultivation and stewardship activities as well as all corporate relations and foundation grant writing. A life-long conservationist, Nichole has had the amazing privilege of traveling to many beautiful, untouched places throughout Africa and Asia. She is eager to continue to explore diverse landscapes and fascinating cultures across the globe and is delighted to work to preserve those places in perpetuity. An Ohio native, Nichole earned Bachelor Degrees in both Conservation and Cultural Anthropology from Kent State University and received her Masters in Nonprofit Administration from San Francisco State University

Joe Lowe
Director of Communications
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Joe began visiting the Appalachian Mountains and developing an interest in nature during high school. In 2003 he joined the Peace Corps and lived in Bolivia for two years, where he developed and managed community projects. Joe has worked for several online publications as a journalist and editor. In 2010 he started a grassroots organization, Yunga Perdida, to support conservation in the Northern Tiquipaya Wildlife Reserve in Bolivia. He led several groups to visit the reserve's new ecolodge, created a web site, and helped the reserve build new organizational partnerships. Joe received his Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Studies and Master of Enviornment and Natural Resources from Ohio State University and Master of Science in Journalism from Ohio University.  Joe's interests include: exploring wild areas, photography, travel writing, and Bolivian culture and history.

Cherie McKnight
Finance Manager
Cherie spent 13 years in an accounting department of a private sector company.  After a brief break to be home with her children, she has ventured back into the accounting world.  She is delighted to become a member of the WLT-US team. She greatly admires the work that WLT-US does in preserving rainforests and endangered wildlife so generations to come may benefit. She is currently studying for a degree in finance from University of Maryland. Cherie is married with four children and has two Labrador Retrievers. She enjoys reading, watching hockey, and vacationing with her family.  Most of her vacations are spent camping and sitting along the banks of a crystal clear lake. She can be found with a book in hand while watching her family splash in the water.     

Jaclyn Sharratt-Smith
Communications Manager
Jaclyn believes in the power behind a strong communication strategy, social media experimentation, and conceptual design. Jaclyn manages all marketing and communication projects including: annual reports, newsletters, e-newsletters, Web site, social media, event planning, design, and any other task requiring artistic flair and a creative edge. Jaclyn received her Master of Arts in Public Relations and Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Communications from Ball State University and is a member of the Public Relations Society of America. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and recently relocated from Chicago, Illinois, Jaclyn is pleased to have found a new home to fulfill her love of nature. She believes in the importance of preserving our environment for future generations and has a passion for learning about new cultures and exploring all corners of the world. She enjoys practicing yoga, adding stamps to her passport, and any outdoor activity with her husband and son.

Debbie Stadtler
Program Coordinator
Debbie is excited to join the WLT-US team to help support business development, donor relations, and grant writing. She has 8 years of experience in all kinds of communication, including 3 years in the nonprofit world. Debbie believes that local partnership is crucial to saving endangered land and that every acre saved helps all of us. She loves new technology and helping others to be more green in their everyday life. Debbie received her Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Archaeology from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and is currently studying for a Master’s degree in International Relations from Salve Regina University. She has traveled to many countries across the globe doing volunteer work. A long-time resident of Virginia, Debbie enjoys reading, running 5K races, yoga, baking, and playing games with her husband and three boys.