OCT. 2, 2026
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OTTAWA, Oct. 2, 2026 - The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is thrilled to welcome Amanda Reed as its interim CEO following in the inspiring footsteps of Sean Southey, who has assumed a new position. Reed takes the helm as the first woman to hold this senior leadership position. She is a recognized expert in connecting communities to conservation.
“The future of wildlife and its habitat in Canada is the future of Canadian livelihoods,” said Reed, who has more than 20 years of experience in the nature sector, including the past year as vice president of conservation for CWF. “Wildlife in Canada and the places where plants and animals live - grasslands, wetlands, forests, rivers and lakes, and the deep ocean - are critical to our cultures, lifestyles, and economies.”
Reed has extensive experience in conservation science, public policy, Indigenous partnerships, and strategic advocacy. She has a master’s degree in business administration, and her career has spanned local to global conservation work. A strategic and values-driven leader, she’s known for uniting diverse stakeholders to drive lasting impact for nature and communities alike, which is key to CWF’s legacy.
“CWF holds so many of the conservation values that I have nurtured in myself and others during my career,” she said. “This includes world-class conservation science. Dedication to working with local communities. Pragmatic solution-oriented approaches. Inspiring a conservation ethic among all Canadians. Introducing nature into the classroom and getting kids outside to learn and grow and have fun.”
Reed is looking forward to celebrating community conservation heroes at the annual CWF True North Conservation Awards Oct. 23 in Ottawa, and attending the many partner events taking place around Parliament this fall. CWF has begun a formal search for a permanent CEO.
“CWF is sure to benefit from Amanda’s progressive and proactive leadership style,” said David Pezderic, chair of the CWF board of directors. “She is a true team player committed to making meaningful improvements in wildlife and habitat conservation, fostering public engagement, and enriching Canada’s conservation ethic.”
About the Canadian Wildlife Federation:
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to conserving wildlife and habitat in Canada for the use and enjoyment of all. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on wildlife and the environment, carrying out actions to conserve and restore species and habitats, developing and delivering conservation education programs, advocating for changes to government policy and programs, and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. For more information, visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca.
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For more information contact: media@cwf-fcf.org
