CRAIG BENJAMIN
DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION
Craig synthesizes information from science, politics, and public opinion to guide high profile conservation campaigns and projects that protect the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. He provides high-level leadership to GYC’s experienced staff by steering conservation strategy, supporting and establishing new initiatives within GYC’s strategic plan framework, and engaging a wide range of agencies, partner organizations, stakeholders, and decision-makers.
Craig is a 15-year veteran of conservation advocacy, with a track record of accomplishing significant conservation outcomes, strengthening organizations, and building authentic partnerships. Craig came to GYC from the National Wildlife Federation, where for over five years he worked as a Director, Conservation Partnerships & Habitat Connectivity, strengthening the capacity of conservation organizations in Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming, and coordinating a collaborative initiative to reconnect migration routes across the West. Prior to that, he was the executive director of the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance. Before returning to the Greater Yellowstone, where he had spent as much time as possible from 2001 to 2006 skiing deep snow in the backcountry, Craig worked in Seattle for several Washington-based conservation organizations and political campaigns. He holds an undergraduate degree in Public Policy from Washington & Lee University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance.
Craig and his wife Stacy moved back to Jackson, Wyoming– where they met and got married – in 2013 to raise their two children in a small town with access to nature and a strong sense of community. Now, Craig wakes up every day driven by a ferocious love for this wild place he calls home, dedicated to protecting it for his daughter Piper, his son Ryder, and all future generations. When he’s not in the office, you can find Craig camping with his family, backcountry skiing with friends, or trail running with his two mountain mutts, Lola and Charlie.
Favorite Greater Yellowstone Animal: Wolverine
Favorite Season in Greater Yellowstone: Summer, because it’s spectacular and I get to spend lots of time with family and friends camping and trail running.
Favorite GYC Conservation Win: Passage of the $10 million wildlife crossings specific purpose excise tax measure in Teton County.
