Will Gartshore

As WWF’s Senior Director of Policy and Government Affairs, Will oversees and manages the organization’s advocacy and engagement with the US government on a range of policy issues, including biodiversity conservation, oceans, plastic pollution, and climate change. He is WWF’s lead advocate on wildlife conservation and illegal trade as well as on federal funding and appropriations, having successfully lobbied to maintain and grow US government funding for nature conservation, both domestically and internationally. Among the legislative achievements that Will has worked with Congress to develop and pass into law are the END Wildlife Trafficking Act, the WILD Act, and the creation of the Save Vanishing Species semi-postal stamp (the “tiger stamp”) and the US Foundation for International Conservation. His work with the White House and executive branch agencies has included the initiation and implementation of national strategies to combat wildlife trafficking and tackle plastic pollution. He is also responsible for WWF’s engagement on international policies and conventions dealing with biodiversity conservation, wildlife trade, and climate change for the Policy and Government Affairs team.

Will has over two decades of experience working on environmental policy development and advocacy. Prior to joining WWF in 2007, Will worked for the Energy Future Coalition and as managing editor of the Greener Business Guide to Washington, DC. Beyond his work in conservation, he also spent over 20 years performing as a professional actor and singer, appearing on stages in DC and around the country, including on and off Broadway in New York City. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park and an advanced acting degree from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (NYC).

Education

• BA in History, University of Maryland – College Park

Areas of Expertise

• U.S. climate change policy
• International species conservation