Mountain Lion Foundation Welcomes New Executive Leadership Team to Enhance Conservation Efforts

Leadership Changes at the Mountain Lion Foundation

On November 4, 2025, the Mountain Lion Foundation (MLF) announced significant leadership changes aimed at bolstering its conservation initiatives. Ellen C. O'Connell has been appointed as Executive Director, effective November 1, 2025, and Byron Weckworth, Ph.D., will join as Chief Conservation and Advocacy Officer, beginning on November 10, 2025. This strategic move comes as MLF seeks to strengthen its influence and advocacy for mountain lions across the United States.

Having championed the cause of America's mountain lions for nearly four decades, MLF is recognized as a leading voice in wildlife conservation. Their achievements include legislative victories such as California’s Proposition 117, which safeguards mountain lion habitats and promotes coexistence between humans and wildlife. With O'Connell at the helm, the foundation aims to deepen collaborative efforts, enhance science-based advocacy, and secure a better future for both mountain lions and surrounding ecosystems.

Ellen O'Connell brings a wealth of experience to her new role, drawing from over thirty years in nonprofit leadership. Her previous positions include CEO of Farm Sanctuary and Executive Director of Tusk USA. O'Connell’s extensive global experience spans more than ninety countries, where her initiatives have notably focused on wildlife protection and policy reforms related to food systems. Her tenure in humanitarian aid has equipped her with a unique understanding of the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Notably, as Chair of the Wildlife Justice Commission Investigations, O'Connell plays a crucial role in combating illegal wildlife trade, a significant threat to biodiversity today.

In welcoming O'Connell, John Ziegler, Chair of the Mountain Lion Foundation Board, expressed confidence in her leadership abilities, noting, "Ellen's record of turning vision into measurable impact makes her an ideal leader for this next chapter. She will build on the Foundation's remarkable legacy and make strides in partnerships and advocacy efforts."

Byron Weckworth also brings extensive experience, having dedicated twenty-five years to global carnivore conservation and strategic communications. He has previously managed the Snow Leopard Program and established the Conservation Genetics Program at Panthera. Weckworth’s unique blend of scientific knowledge and advocacy will be fundamental in guiding MLF's efforts to secure sustainable protections for mountain lions, ensuring they thrive in their natural habitats.

O'Connell and Weckworth's partnership is projected to usher in a new era of leadership at MLF. Their shared commitment to conservation and advocacy will serve as the foundation for expanding MLF's reach and impact. Together, they aim to enhance the foundation’s storytelling, science initiatives, and advocacy movements, which are crucial in fostering public appreciation for mountain lions and the ecosystems they inhabit.

O'Connell remarked, "I am deeply honored to take the lead at the Mountain Lion Foundation, an organization that has greatly shaped how America perceives cougars and their coexistence with humans. MLF's history serves as a testament to how advocacy, partnerships, and science can alter the future for wildlife. I look forward to collaborating with our supporters, partners, and communities to protect America's lion."

The Mountain Lion Foundation was established in 1986 and is uniquely dedicated to the preservation of mountain lions and the conservation of the wild landscapes they rely on. For further information, visit www.mountainlion.org.