NEW YORK - February 20, 2007 - Wildlife Trust, an organization that empowers local conservation scientists worldwide to protect nature and safeguard ecosystem and human health, announced two new members to its growing team. Brenda Torres-Barreto and Paulette Lipton recently joined the organization in key supporting roles.

New Program Officer Brenda Torres-Barreto will support the organization's conservation programs and the Wildlife Trust Alliance, an international network of science-based conservation organizations and individuals.

Torres-Barreto brings a wealth of expertise in environmental education programs and conservation initiatives. Before joining Wildlife Trust, Torres-Barreto was the Executive Director of the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society. There, she was responsible for the management and development of the third largest Audubon Society Chapter in California, coordinating environmental education programs, nature-related recreational activities and conservation advocacy initiatives. Torres-Barreto also represented the organization in local government forums, addressing issues concerning major habitat conservation plans, restoration projects and land development proposals.

Prior to the Audubon Society, Torres-Barreto served as Executive Director of the San Juan Bay Estuary Program, a not-for-profit organization in San Juan, Puerto Rico that managed 49 coastal restoration actions in the areas of water quality, fish and wildlife, aquatic debris and public involvement. "Brenda brings great expertise to Wildlife Trust and the Wildlife Trust Alliance. I am confident she will complement our stellar team," said Andrew Taber, Executive Vice President for Programs at Wildlife Trust.

Torres-Barreto received her undergraduate degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico. She earned a master's degree in Environmental Management from the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and studied in the Stanford Graduate School of Business's Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders.

Paulette Lipton, Executive Assistant to the President, brings 20 years of administrative and paralegal experience to the organization. Prior to joining Wildlife Trust, Lipton served as the Office Manager and Administrator for Ma'yan, The Jewish Women's Project of the JCC in Manhattan. In that role, Lipton assisted the executive director in day-to-day activities, handled all accounting, budgeting & financial reporting and acted as liaison for other programs in the JCC. A nonprofit veteran, Lipton will provide support for the president's office and act as steward with board and council members.

Lipton previously served as a Program Associate for the Jewish Women's Foundation of New York where she coordinated fundraising activities and managed all aspects of the foundation's annual grant program. Her experience also includes managing high-profile speaking engagements for Betty Friedan, well-known author and lecturer. "We are excited to have both Brenda Torres-Barreto and Paulette Lipton as new members of our team. Their skills and enthusiasm will help Wildlife Trust continue to grow in impact and accomplishment," said Mary C. Pearl, President of Wildlife Trust.

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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