The Everglades Foundation Names Shannon Estenoz As Its First Chief Policy Officer

The Former Assistant Secretary For The U.S. Department Of The Interior Will Set Policy For The Foundation’s Everglades Restoration Work

The Everglades Foundation announced that Shannon Estenoz will join the organization as its first ever Chief Policy Officer, effective June 30th.

From 2021 to 2025, Ms. Estenoz served as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, and she previously held a number of senior roles in environmental restoration, public policy, and management. As Chief Policy Officer, she will be responsible for developing and advancing Everglades policy by collaborating with the Foundation’s scientific experts and staff, as well as decision makers, conservation organizations, academics, and other stakeholders. Ms. Estenoz will utilize her vast environmental policy experience to make a lasting impact on Everglades restoration for generations to come.

“We are privileged to have Shannon Estenoz return to serve as our first ever Chief Policy Officer,” said Eric Eikenberg, Chief Executive Officer of The Everglades Foundation. “Not only does Shannon bring far-reaching experience working with bipartisan decision makers at the local, state, and federal level, but she also brings a wealth of knowledge – and passion – for Everglades restoration.”

In her work as Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks during the Biden administration, she led the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and the Office of Everglades Restoration Initiatives. She chaired the Federal Interagency Panel for World Heritage, and the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force. President Biden also appointed Ms. Estenoz to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission; and in 2024, he nominated her to serve as Deputy Secretary of the Interior.

“For more than 30 years, The Everglades Foundation has been a leading voice in the effort to restore America’s Everglades,” said Ms. Estenoz. “As Chief Policy Officer, I am eager to collaborate with scientists, decision makers, and environmental advocates to advance the Foundation’s restoration efforts and to secure the long-term protection of the Everglades”

Prior to serving as Assistant Secretary, Ms. Estenoz worked at the U.S. Department of the Interior as Director of Everglades Restoration Initiatives and the Executive Director of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force. Her 27-year career also includes leadership roles with The Everglades Foundation, the National Parks Conservation Association, the World Wildlife Fund, the Environmental and Land Use Law Center, and three terms as the National Co-Chair of the Everglades Coalition.

She was appointed by four gubernatorial administrations between 1997 and 2010 to Florida environmental positions including as Board member for the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD).

“Shannon is a vital part of Everglades restoration. Her history of service to America’s Everglades is unparalleled, and The Everglades Foundation is honored to have her join us as we continue to work towards the restoration and protection of America’s Everglades through a robust and bipartisan approach,” said Carlos de la Cruz, Jr., Chairman of The Everglades Foundation’s Board of Directors.