Marco
De Leon

Marco De León is a national voice for public lands conservation, serving as Deputy Vice President for External Affairs. He leads efforts building a broad, diverse movement grounded in freedom to access the outdoors, conservation of the benefits nature provides and protection of our public lands for future generations. 

With more than a decade of experience at the intersection of policy, politics and public engagement, Marco has shaped strategies that influence decision makers and mobilize communities nationwide. At the National Park Service, he served as Regional Chief of Public Affairs for 85 parks and programs across eight states, overseeing crisis communications, advancing landmark initiatives and forging partnerships with elected officials to secure support for parks and public lands. He also led strategic planning, operations analysis and workforce development projects through the agency's internal consulting group, strengthening the capacity of one of America's most trusted public institutions. 

Earlier in his career, Marco served as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Charles Schumer on the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he drafted and negotiated legislation with stakeholders at every level of government. His work on Capitol Hill and in electoral campaigns sharpened his ability to navigate complex political landscapes and bring together unlikely allies in pursuit of shared goals.

Marco holds a Master in Public Affairs (MPA) from Princeton University and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Stanford University. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, daughters and family pets, who keep him curious, grounded and inspired.