Gwen grew up in the Great Lakes region of the United States and spent much of her young life kayaking, canoeing and spending almost every day outside in the river and lake network near her hometown of Lakewood, Ohio. She has 30+ years of experience as a nonprofit leader, fundraising professional, consultant, small business entrepreneur/owner and adjunct faculty in Public Affairs. She has degrees in International Studies, Psychology and a Master of Public Administration.

Gwen has served in senior leadership roles for The Nature Conservancy, Tompkins Conservation, Symphony in the Flint Hills and is currently leading philanthropy partnerships at Re:wild. Gwen blends her passion for conservation with everything she does. Her career spans partnership leadership among government, corporate and the nonprofit sectors. She lives in the Flint Hills tallgrass prairie conservation landscape in Kansas with her husband, Brian, their dogs and a herd of bison.

When not working every day for a wilder planet, Gwen focuses on watercolor and silk painting, completing her pilates instructor certification and enjoying the healing benefits of nature with family and friends.