ANN ARBOR, Mich.— Rebecca Meuninck, Ph.D., a leader in the Great Lakes conservation movement with expertise in protecting the freshwaters of the region, will serve as the next Regional Executive Director for the National Wildlife Federation's Great Lakes Regional Center. Meuninck will lead the region in restoring critical watersheds, building climate resilience, and protecting the region's natural resources through a lens of equity and justice, facilitating work with stakeholders, community partners, and the coalitions that unite in the region to support the critical work of protecting the largest freshwater lakes on Earth and their U.S. watersheds.

"The Great Lakes region is home to me, and it’s also home to twenty percent of the world’s freshwater and the people and wildlife that depend on it,” Meuninck said. “Throughout my career, I have focused on the nexus of human activity, health, and the environment. My experience has prepared me to tackle some of the greatest challenges facing the Great Lakes region including climate change, toxic chemical contamination, and habitat loss. I’m optimistic that the work we will do as a team at the Great Lakes Regional Center will protect and restore this spectacular region for wildlife and people.”

The National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes Regional Center encompasses Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.

“The Great Lakes — and the people and wildlife that rely upon them — face unprecedented challenges. Dr. Meuninck has the experience, expertise, and approach to ensure these incredible lakes endure for future generations,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Meuninck to the Federation and look forward to her bringing her leadership to our organization at this critical moment for wildlife and people.”

Previously, Meuninck worked closely with the National Wildlife Federation as the Ecology Center’s deputy director in Ann Arbor. She led the environmental health team, working on such programs as lead and PFAS prevention and elimination in drinking water. In 2020, she helped to co-found the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network—a coalition of community members and organizations including the National Wildlife Federation—to address PFAS contamination in Great Lakes water, wildlife, and communities.

Meuninck holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Michigan State University, where she focused on gender, justice, and environmental change. She is the recipient of many accolades throughout her academic and professional career, including a Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship and the Michigan Chapter’s National MS Society Young Professional Achievement Award.