John Waugh designs, implements, and advocates solutions to complex problems in conservation. He excels in fast-paced program and proposal development, in network support and capacity building, and in team and project management in complex, multi-cultural contexts. 

Mr. Waugh has worked in over forty developing countries, employing a leadership approach based upon mentorship, learning, team empowerment and synthesis. He designs and implements initiatives that have resulted in significant changes in international development and natural resource policy and practice. He has also designed and led a range of environmental and performance assessments including feasibility studies, performance evaluation, strategic environmental and social assessment, and environmental mitigation and monitoring planning. 

Mr. Waugh has addressed the UN General Assembly twice on threats to natural resources and their impacts on societies. He has served as panelist, featured speaker or guest-lecturer at venues such as the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Public Radio, and the Woodrow Wilson Center. He has also led delegations to several UN bodies including UNEP, UNCSD, and FAO.

His track record includes building successful NGOs and consulting practices in the environment, energy, and climate sectors, and facilitating global policy initiatives including NGO inputs to the GEF and initiatives of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

Mr. Waugh takes pride in a record of service with organizations recognized as “best in class” – in wildland firefighting, law enforcement, volunteer service, public policy, and international development. He is experienced in leading teams of highly qualified experts – and in the establishment of effective, lasting institutions and a new generation of conservation leaders.

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