Our Staff

Heath Packard

Chief Philanthropy Officer

Heath holds a MA in philosophy and social policy from American University in Washington, DC, and bachelor’s degrees in biology and philosophy from State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego. Heath, a conservation professional since 1997, brings decades of marketing and strategic communications, fundraising, policy, and government and public relations experience to Island Conservation. Heath has served as field director for the National Wildlife Refuge Association; a groundfish observer in the Bering Sea, Alaska; Washington state policy director for National Audubon Society; and director of legislative and external affairs for the Washington State Dept. of Natural Resources and the independently elected Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands. He has worked on endangered and invasive species issues for most of his career and is an “accidental birder.” When he’s not busy finding new and compelling ways to recruit new friends, partners, and supporters to Island Conservation, Heath can be found running, biking, hiking, camping, sailing, writing, playing music, gardening, or winding down the day with good food and drink.