Meet Jim Wyerman

Jim Wyerman joined the Mississippi River Delta Restoration Campaign in April as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications for Environmental Defense Fund. His role is to provide strategic direction in developing communications plans, engaging high-influence individuals to support the RESTORE Act and building long-term support for coastal restoration from key business sectors. He is currently leading a project to inform and engage the navigation sector in long-term solutions.

Jim brings 25 years experience in senior leadership at national conservation organizations, where he has led campaigns and managed multi-disciplinary teams. Most recently, he was Chief Program Officer at Carbonfund.org and VP of Communications for the American Forest Foundation. Previously, he directed development and communications for the Land Trust Alliance and was VP of Programs at Defenders of Wildlife. He also served as Executive Director of Maryland PIRG and the grassroots group 2020 Vision.

“What attracted me to Environmental Defense Fund was their reputation for achieving large-scale structural change through market-driven solutions,” said Jim. “While grassroots, communications and policy advocacy are all essential parts of a successful campaign, the missing piece is often the economic one: How do we shape the conservation goal as a smart business goal?” That is what the Partnerships Committee of the Campaign is working to do. “We want to make it a little easier for businesses to do the right thing for the wetlands and communities that depend on a healthy Gulf ecosystem.”

Since he first went to New Orleans for Mardi Gras 30 years ago, Jim says he fell in love with the culture, food, music and people of Southern Louisiana. If he’s in town on a Thursday night, look for Jim at Rock ‘n’ Bowl for a zydeco dance.