NEW YORK - September 2006 - Wildlife Trust announced a new member to its growing management team. Thomas M. Exton has joined the organization as the Executive Vice President for External Relations. Wildlife Trust is a conservation organization that empowers local conservation scientists worldwide to protect nature and safeguard ecosystems and human health. As Executive Vice President for External Relations, Exton will lead the development and communications initiatives as well as implement the organization's multi-million dollar major gifts effort for endowment building and program support.

With more than 25 years of experience, Exton brings a wealth of expertise in membership development, capital campaigns, fundraising, special events, and sponsorships. Before joining Wildlife Trust Exton was the Vice President of Development at the New York-based Big Apple Circus. There, he directed all aspects of major donor, foundation, government and corporate fundraising. Exton also coordinated Board Member recruitment and successfully increased annual funding by 74%.

Prior to the Big Apple Circus, Exton served as the Vice President of Development for The New York Botanical Garden. The New York Botanical Garden is the region's leading educational center for gardening and horticulture as well as an international center for plant research. During his tenure, Exton secured major gifts and raised $35,000,000 for the organization's capital campaign.

Exton's career has also included positions such as Senior Vice President of Development and Membership for the United Nations Association of the USA and Vice President of Development for the National Audubon Society in New York. "After an intensive search, Tom Exton's experience, accomplishments and prior success were met with enthusiasm by both our Board Members and our dedicated team of professionals, making for a perfect fit." said Mary C. Pearl, President of Wildlife Trust.

Exton, an alumnus of the University of Virginia, currently resides in Pleasantville, New York, where he also serves as an elected member of the Board of Education. He and his wife, Judy, are very active in the community and are involved in many local organizations. Judy is the Development Director for the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, NY.

About Wildlife Trust

Wildlife Trust empowers local conservation scientists worldwide to protect nature and safeguard ecosystem and human health. Wildlife Trust is a conservation science innovator and leverages research expertise through strategic global alliances. Wildlife Trust pioneered the field of Conservation Medicine, a new discipline that addresses the link between ecological disruption of habitats and the effects on wildlife, livestock and human health.

Founded in 1971 by British naturalist and author Gerald Durrell, Wildlife Trust has built its reputation on 35 years of global research, education, training and experience. Research and conservation work in the United States include programs in the metropolitan New York area, Florida and along the coast of the Southeastern U.S.

Internationally, Wildlife Trust trains and supports a network of scientists around the world to save endangered species and their habitats and to protect the health of vital ecosystems. Wildlife Trust created the first egalitarian international network of science-based conservation organizations called the Wildlife Trust Alliance and is a founding partner organization of the Consortium for Conservation Medicine, a unique think-tank of prestigious academic institutions.

Visit www.wildlifetrust.org to read more.

Media Contact:
Anthony Ramos, Wildlife Trust
Director for Marketing & Communications
ramos@wildlifetrust.org
212/380-4469

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