(Washington, DC) — Kathryn Fuller, the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Wildlife Fund, U.S. (WWF), is the winner of the 2007 ELI Award for Achievement in Environmental Law, Policy, and Management. The award—granted by the Environmental Law Institute® (ELI)—honors Fuller’s career achievements in advancing the cause of biodiversity conservation and in responding aggressively and creatively to the forces of economic development and environmental pollution that threaten wildlife and natural habitat.
Beginning with her work at the Department of Justice dealing with illicit trade in animal and plant resources through her years of service and leadership at WWF (1989-2005), Fuller demonstrated that training in biology and law and a talent for management are a powerful combination in advancing the conservation agenda. She is Chair of the Board of the New York-based Ford Foundation, the nation’s second-largest private foundation.
“The growth of WWF in resources and influence and the innovative conservation methods pioneered throughout Kathryn Fuller’s 16 year tenure as WWF President are remarkable,” says ELI President, Leslie Carothers. “Her leadership in the governance of prominent institutions like Brown University, the Ford Foundation, and Alcoa, is a further tribute to her skills as a leader.”
Participating in the award presentation is Roger W. Sant, who was chairman of WWF during Ms. Fuller’s tenure there. Mr. Sant is founder and chairman emeritus of the board of AES Corporation, serves as chairman of the board of the the Summit Foundation, and is executive committee chairman for the Smithsonian Institution’s Board of Regents.
The award ceremony will be held on October 30, 2007 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert Street, NW, Washington, DC. The reception begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Award Dinner at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds from the 2007 ELI Award Dinner will help support the educational, publication, research and training programs of the ELI.