Holly Bamford

Dr. Holly Bamford is a distinguished leader in fish, wildlife, and marine conservation. Currently serving as the Chief Conservation Officer for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the nation's largest private conservation grant-maker, Dr. Bamford oversees the allocation of over $500 million annually towards on-the-ground conservation efforts across the country. She is responsible for advancing the Foundation’s outcome-based approaches to conservation investments, which span various ecosystems including oceans, coasts, forests, grasslands, and freshwater environments. These investments address significant conservation challenges such as climate change, habitat loss, and increasing resilience for species and habitats. Prior to joining NFWF, Dr. Bamford held the position of Acting Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Management at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), where she supported ocean and coastal policy and implementation for the nation. She also served as the Assistant Administrator for NOAA’s National Ocean Service (NOS), managing over $400 million in ocean and coastal observations, research, mapping, coastal management, and marine sanctuaries to support healthy ecosystems and the economies that depend on them. Dr. Bamford earned her Ph.D. in organic environmental chemistry from the University of Maryland. Her work has been published in over 30 publications widely referenced in the fields of environmental chemistry, natural resources, and water quality.