Robert Dewey

Vice President for Government Relations and External Affairs, Defenders of Wildlife

For over 20 years, Robert Dewey has overseen strategy development and implementation of Defenders of Wildlife’s national legislative and administrative priorities through legislative and grassroots advocacy, coalition participation, and national environmental community coordination. Robert established Defenders of Wildlife’s Government Relations and External Affairs department, and key legislative accomplishments under Robert’s leadership include securing favorable provisions for wildlife in the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Other significant accomplishments during his tenure include defending the Endangered Species Act from congressional assaults, protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil drilling, establishing a new Florida bear license plate, coordinating a successful Alaska ballot initiative, and spearheading policy and litigation initiatives to influence the management of national wildlife refuges and national forests – helping natural resources adapt to climate change and improving transportation planning.

Robert helps implement advocacy by the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund and oversees development of the group’s annual legislative Report Card. He serves on the Scorecard Advisory Committee of the League of Conservation Voters and on the Boards of several environmental collaborative initiatives and organizations.

Robert earned his B.A. from Colgate University and an M.S.L. from Vermont Law School.