Conserve Wildlife Foundation Team
Meet the dedicated staff and professionals behind Conserve Wildlife Foundation's important work.
David Wheeler
Executive Director
David is responsible for running the Foundation, as well as raising the money needed to support CWF's mission. A proud New Jerseyan, he wrote the book Wild New Jersey: Nature Adventures in the Garden State, and lectures at Rutgers University. He earned his M.B.A. from New York University's Stern School of Business. David enjoys being active outdoors with his daughter and son in his spare time.
- Phone: 609.292.1276
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
Karena Di Leo
Wildlife Biologist
Karena is responsible for working with private landowners to protect and restore endangered bog turtle habitat. She also works on vernal pool protection and creating habitat for eastern tiger salamanders. Karena received her M.S. in Ecology from Rutgers University where she investigated the presence of chytridiomycosis (Bd) on pinelands amphibians. Karena enjoys mountain biking and hiking.
- Phone: 609.292.1244
Stephanie Egger
Wildlife Biologist
Stephanie is responsible for piping plover and other beach nesting bird recovery implementation. She received a BS in Marine Biology from Millersville University in 2001 and a MS in Biology from St. Joseph's University in 2006 where her thesis research focused on nesting and road mortality of northern diamondback terrapins along a salt marsh assess road in New Jersey. When she is not enjoying the beaches of New Jersey, Stephanie is enjoying raising her young daughter.
- Phone: 215.350.6827
Maria Grace
Education and Outreach Manager
Born and raised in the great state of NJ, Maria shares our rare wildlife stories with people of all ages. She received her BS in Evironmental Studies from Stockton College and her MA in Environmental Education from Montclair State University. Maria manages our education programs like the Species on the Edge Art & Essay Contest and our Partnership with Parks Program. Maria lives in the Sourland Mountains, the largest contiguous forest in central Jersey. When not working, she and her family explore its many hidden treasures from singing scarlet tanagers to elusive spotted salamanders.
- Phone: 609.984.0621
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 oversees managing, monitoring, and research of piping plovers, least terns, black skimmers, and American oystercatchers in New Jersey. He has been involved in the beach nesting bird project since 1994. When not working (or playing) on the beach, Todd enjoys traveling, movies, and culinary pursuits. He resides in Tuckerton with his teenage daughter, Aurora.
- Phone: 609.628.0401
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
Charlene Smith
Part-time Educator
Charlene helps with education programs for students of all ages. She received her B.S. in Ecology & Natural Resource Management from Rutgers University in 2012. In her spare time she helps with conservation projects with American Oystercatchers. When she is not working she enjoys photography, kayaking, traveling, hiking, and spending time with her son.
- Phone: 732.567.3675
Larissa Smith
Wildlife Biologist and Volunteer Manager
Larissa has worked for the CWF foundation since 2000 as a Wildlife 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, hamsters, 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 and diamondback terrapins. Outside of work, Ben enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two children, Kaitlin and Reed. He also enjoys photography, backpacking, and woodworking. Ben collects salvaged wood that he uses to create picture frames and other artwork. Check out his work on his website.
- Phone: 609.628.2103
Give the gift of wildlife
When you Adopt a Species, you give the gift of wildlife. You show the wildlife lover in your family that you really care and that you support a worthwhile cause.
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!