Lia
Cheek

Lia works with regional staff to guide the growth of The Wilderness Society’s programs in the East, and to ensure programmatic alignment with the organization’s key priorities for conservation. The Wilderness Society’s Eastern region extends from Maine to Georgia.

Before joining The Wilderness Society, Lia served as the National Field Campaign Director for the Endangered Species Coalition, developing and managing the organization's portfolio of wildlife conservation campaigns across the country. 

She holds a BS in Ecology from Dartmouth College and a Masters in Global Environmental Policy from American University with a concentration in Global  Environmental Justice.  Lia spent three years as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines where she focused on community-based marine conservation.  Lia brings deep strategy, grassroots organizing, and environmental policy experience to her work, and is committed to exploring globally relevant solutions to decolonizing and strengthening conservation approaches.  Lia is the recipient of the 2020 Mardy Murie Spirit of Conservation award for rising leaders.

Lia lives in Washington DC and can be usually found in her garden, with a book, or planning her next trekking, traveling, or diving adventure.