Conserve Wildlife Foundation Team
Meet the dedicated staff and professionals behind Conserve Wildlife Foundation's important work.
Margaret O’Gorman
Executive Director
Margaret is responsible for the smooth and efficient running of the Foundation. She is also responsible for raising and managing the money needed to support the Foundation’s mission. She has worked in New Jersey's conservation community for the past 10 years. As an avid bicyclist, Margaret has toured with her bicycle in 10 countries and hopes to tour many more.
- Phone: 609.292.1276
Maria Grace
Education and Outreach Manager
Since 2004, Maria has been sharing our wildlife stories with people of all ages. Maria manages our education programs like the Species on the Edge Art & Essay Contest. When not working, Maria loves to play outside with her son, Cooper Ridge, and husband Sean. Cooper is her favorite teacher. He helps to open her eyes to the little wonders of the natural world.
- Phone: 609.984.0621
Liz Silvernail
Director of Development
Liz is membership manager, event planner and director of giving for the Foundation. She is responsible for engaging people in our mission and enabling them to support it with contributions, membership donations, sponsorships and grants. A native of New York State, Liz enjoys surf fishing in New Jersey and raising 3 great children.
- Phone: 609.292.3707
Mike Davenport
Marine Species and GIS Programs Manager
Mike is responsible for maintaining the state's database of rare species locations as well as being the contact person for all issues related to marine life. Mike enjoys spending his free time kayaking and SCUBA diving. He also enjoys traveling. Several of his travels have centered upon watching whales and working with marine biologists in various regions of the world.
- Phone: 609.292.3795
Mackenzie Hall
Private Lands Biologist
MacKenzie works with farmers and other large-scale landowners to enhance habitats for rare wildlife like grassland birds and forest bats. She moved from rural northern New York to New Jersey in 2002 and was awed by the energy, diversity, and determination of this small state that she now calls home. MacKenzie likes to dabble in anything artsy or outdoorsy and wants to one day have a colossal fruit & vegetable garden (for now, the balcony will work!).
- Phone: 908.782.4614, Ext. 104
Brian Henderson
GIS Specialist
Brian enters rare species sightings into the Biotics database. At work he deals with many species, but reptiles and amphibians are his personal interest. He received a B.S. degree in Environmental Science and has spent the last seven years working in related fields. Outside of work, Brian likes to see live music, take photographs and explore the state of New Jersey.
- Phone: 609.777.4136
Todd Pover
Beach Nesting Bird Project Manager
Todd overseas managing, monitoring, and research of piping plovers, least terns, black skimmers, and american oystercatchers along the state's entire Atlantic coast. He has been involved in the beach nesting bird project since 1994. When not working (or playing) on the beach, Todd enjoys traveling, antique collecting, movies, and culinary pursuits. He resides in Tuckerton with his teenage daughter, Aurora.
- Phone: 609.628.0401
Larissa Smith
Assistant Biologist and Volunteer Manager
Larissa has worked for the CWF foundation since 2000 as an assistant biologist. She coordinates CWF’s volunteers and works on the New Jersey Bald Eagle project as well as a variety of other projects. She has a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Stockton College and an M.A. in Environmental Education from Rowan University. She volunteers at a local animal shelter and lives with a rescued dog, cats, chickens and a duck.
- Phone: 609.628.0402
Ben Wurst
Habitat Program Manager
Ben is responsible for identifying and restoring degraded wildlife habitat and he helps manage and protect ospreys in New Jersey as the Osprey Project Manager. He received a B.S. in Environmental Science with emphasis in Wildlife Conservation from Unity College in 2004. Ben also works on a variety of other conservation projects that include peregrine falcons, bats, terrapins, and is responsible for maintaining CWF’s website. Outside of work, Ben enjoys a variety of things including photography, backpacking, and “wildlife-friendly” landscaping. He also collects salvaged wood that he uses to create hand-made photo frames.
- Phone: 609.628.2103
Wildlife Viewing Map
Learn the best sites to view wildlife in New Jersey. Created by biologists who work to protect the species you wish to view!