WASHINGTON, June 11, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation ( NFWF ) today announced the appointment of Eric Schwaab as vice president of conservation programs. Schwaab will be based in Washington, D.C., and will be responsible for leading and managing the implementation of the Foundation's conservation programs across the nation, including management and oversight of programmatic activity, regional office development, and project solicitation and selection. "Eric brings extensive conservation experience in fisheries, forestry and wildlife to his new role with the Foundation," said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. "That experience, coupled with his long history of management and leadership at state, federal and private conservation organizations, make him particularly well-suited to this role. "We are fortunate to have Eric join our team as we work to address the many conservation challenges facing us today." Schwaab comes to NFWF from the National Aquarium, where he has served as senior vice president and chief conservation officer, providing leadership and management for the Aquarium's national conservation program. Schwaab earlier served in several leadership positions at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Appointed as assistant administrator for fisheries in 2010, Schwaab directed the National Marine Fisheries Service, the federal agency responsible for science, management and conservation of federal fisheries, marine mammals, sea turtles and other protected resources within the United States. He subsequently served as the U.S. Department of Commerce acting assistant secretary for conservation and management, overseeing many of NOAA's fisheries and ocean programs. Schwaab also has served in a number of different capacities at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, including as the agency's deputy secretary; director of the Fisheries Service; director of the Forest, Wildlife and Heritage Service; director of the Forest Service; and chief of resource management for Maryland's Forest and Park Service. Schwaab also has served as resource director for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, coordinating conservation work on behalf of fish and wildlife agencies across North America. Schwaab holds an undergraduate degree in biology from McDaniel College and a master's degree in environmental planning from Towson University. About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) protects and restores our nation's wildlife and habitats. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF directs public conservation dollars to the most pressing environmental needs and matches those investments with private contributions. NFWF works with government, nonprofit and corporate partners to find solutions for the most complex conservation challenges. Over the last three decades, NFWF has funded more than 4,000 organizations and committed more than $2.9 billion to conservation projects. Learn more at www.nfwf.org .
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