Leslie Jones

About Leslie Jones

I am a senior executive with expertise in natural resource policy and a 20-year track record of shaping strategies, navigating complexity, creating opportunity and driving change. As a respected advisor to cabinet and C-level leaders, I have a knack for providing balanced risk analysis, thoughtful perspectives and persuasive arguments. I am an experienced communicator with an ability to distill complex environmental policy objectives into digestible information for variety of audiences from policy makers to philanthropies. My public speaking experiences range from large professional conferences to congressional staff briefings to academic guest lecturer. I have a record of working my way up within organizations as a result of being a creative fixer and problem solver able to manage risks, build consensus and deliver results. Outstanding organizational management skills, agility and decisiveness enable me to succeed as chief of staff, senior advisor, and counsel in a variety of governmental and non-governmental settings. Experience in ocean and land conservation initiatives in South America, Asia and across Europe has widened my cultural sensitivity and ability to work within diverse teams. I take pride in mentoring others and am a trusted co-worker who has maintained deep connections with former colleagues. I look forward to connecting!

Experience

1. Senior Vice President of Policy

   American Forests

   Mar 2021 — Present

Education

• College of the Atlantic

  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

• Vermont Law School

  Masters of Environmental Law

  1994 — 1997

• Vermont Law School

  Doctor of Law (JD)

  1994 — 1997

Skills

• Forest Management
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Land Trusts
• Policy Analysis
• Environmental Policy
• Government
• Natural Resources Policy
• Strategic Communications
• Environmental Law
• Public Policy
• Congressional Affairs