News

DENVER — Western Resource Advocates (WRA), the leading organization fighting climate change in the West, today announced that Clare Bastable has been named as its vice president of policy and programs. In this role she will guide the execution of WRA’s new strategic plan that aligns the organization’s vision and strategy, partnering with states to advance an ambitious climate and conservation agenda in the Interior West.

With a focus on translating big picture vision into actionable strategies, Bastable will ensure that WRA’s work remains at the forefront of climate and conservation policy. She brings over two decades of experience developing multi-faceted advocacy programs and plans to advance clean energy, healthy rivers and land protection in the West, and will leverage this experience to secure policy wins in WRA’s seven state region.

“We are excited and proud that Clare has chosen to come work with WRA to address the critical climate and conservation challenges we face around the West.  She brings deep expertise in climate policy and a strong track record of designing impactful programs — exactly the kind of leadership we need at this critical juncture in the fight against climate change and its impacts,” said Jon Goldin-Dubois, president of WRA. “Clare’s vision and experience will be instrumental in advancing bold, evidenced-based solutions that drive change and deliver real progress for our region, especially those communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis.”

Bastable has spent her entire career focused on the intersection between climate change, the protection and restoration of land and water, and disaster risk management.  Most recently, she served as executive director of the Catena Foundation for almost eight years, a private grant-making foundation focused on protecting and restoring watersheds, climate and clean energy, civic engagement and immigration. She also worked as a strategy consultant for foundations and organizations around the globe advancing climate change mitigation and building resilience plans. Previously, Bastable directed the national public lands program at the National Wildlife Federation, where she built diverse coalitions to advocate for protection of the nation’s wildlife and public lands.

‘’My decision to join WRA is based on my firm belief that there is no organization better poised to advance climate, land and water protection in the West, especially in the current political climate.”

Bastable received a Bachelor of Science in environmental studies and geology from Bucknell University, and an Executive Master of Public Administration with a focus on environmental policy and law from the University of Colorado.

‘’I am thrilled to work with WRA’s team of nearly 50 talented policy and program leaders to implement the organization’s ambitious strategy.”