Christopher E. Williams

About Christopher E. Williams

Innovator in Natural Resources Conservation and Management | Federal Environmental Law and Policy | Pioneer in Corporate/NGO PartnershipsTwenty-eight years of experience in conservation non-profit leadership, US and international environmental law and policy, designing and implementing ecosystem, wildlife and freshwater conservation and climate change resilience projects globally, working with bilateral and multi-lateral aid agencies such as U.S. AID and World Bank, advising corporations such as The Coca-Cola Company, Proctor & Gamble, Sodexo, AB Inbev, Nalco on corporate social responsibility and sustainability, lobbying federal agencies and Congress, publishing and speaking on natural resource management issues.In leadership positions at World Wildlife Fund and American Rivers, I have provided strategic vision; led the development and implementation of strategic plans; managed complex budgets; worked closely with boards of directors; formed partnerships with NGOs, corporations, bi- and multi-lateral institutions, and universities; raised millions of dollars from foundations, corporations, governments, and individuals; and advocated for policy change before state, federal, and international bodies. I have led headquarters and field staff, providing direct supervision as well as convening and guiding interdisciplinary teams and navigating complex networks of field offices and sister organizations. I have bolstered AR’s response to climate change, and I am the executive team’s representative on AR’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, where I have helped to realize the organization’s commitment to addressing equity and justice issues internally and in the field. Throughout my career, I’ve had extensive experience with countless conservation and resource management issues in the American west, including large carnivore conservation, Wild and Scenic River and roadless area protection, public land and water resources management, economic incentives for open space conservation on private land, air and water pollution abatement, river restoration, salmon recovery, and a host of endangered species and habitat issues. At present, I am proud to serve as President and CEO of the Anacostia Watershed Society.

Experience

1. President and CEO

   Anacostia Watershed Society

   Aug 2021 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Leading a skilled and committed staff in the effort to conserve and restore the Anacostia, a small watershed with a big role in the natural, social, and economic history and future of the Washington, DC region.

Education

• University of Washington

  Bachelor of Arts, History

  1985 — 1989

• Vermont Law and Graduate School

  Juris Doctorate and Masters, Environmental Law and Policy

  1990 — 1993

Skills

• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Natural Resources
• Environmental Awareness
• Conservation Issues
• Water Resources
• Sustainable Development
• Endangered Species
• Policy
• Environmental Policy
• Strategy
• Wildlife
• Fundraising
• Climate Change
• Sustainability
• Natural Resource Management