Conserve Wildlife Foundation Team
Meet the dedicated staff and professionals behind Conserve Wildlife Foundation's important work.
Margaret O’Gorman
Executive Director
Margaret is responsible for the smooth and efficient running of the Foundation. She is also responsible for raising and managing the money needed to support the Foundation’s mission. She has worked in New Jersey's conservation community for the past 10 years. As an avid bicyclist, Margaret has toured with her bicycle in 10 countries and hopes to tour many more.
- Phone: 609.292.1276
Mike Davenport
Marine Species and GIS Programs Manager
Mike is responsible for maintaining the state's database of rare species locations as well as being the contact person for all issues related to marine life. Mike enjoys spending his free time kayaking and SCUBA diving. He also enjoys traveling. Several of his travels have centered upon watching whales and working with marine biologists in various regions of the world.
- Phone: 609.292.3795
Karena Di Leo
Wildlife Biologist
Karena joins CWF after completing her M.S. in Ecology from Rutgers University where she investigated the presence of chytridiomycosis (Bd) on pinelands amphibians. She is excited to become a part of New Jersey's dedicated environmental community and hopes to increase awareness and appreciation of our native amphibians and reptiles. Karena enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and any excuse to get outdoors.
- Phone: 609.292.1244
Stephanie Egger
Wildlife Biologist
Stephanie is responsible for piping plover and seabeach amaranth recovery
implementation. She works with municipalities and other land managers on
the development and implementation of management plans for the protection
of beach dependent species, addressing threats such as human disturbance,
predation, and invasive species. She received a BS in Marine Biology from
Millersville University in 2001 and a MS in Biology from St. Joseph's
University in 2006 where her thesis research focused on nesting and road
mortality of northern diamondback terrapins along a salt marsh assess road
in New Jersey. When she is not enjoying the beaches of New Jersey,
Stephanie is enjoying raising her young daughter.
- Phone: 215.350.6827
Maria Grace
Education and Outreach Manager
Since 2004, Maria has been sharing our wildlife stories with people of all ages. Maria manages our education programs like the Species on the Edge Art & Essay Contest and our Partnership with Parks Program. When not working, Maria loves to play outside with her sons, Cooper & Elden, and husband Sean. Cooper and Elden are her favorite teachers. They help to open her eyes to the little wonders of the natural world.
- Phone: 609.984.0621
Mackenzie Hall
Private Lands Biologist
MacKenzie works with farmers and other large-scale landowners to enhance habitats for rare wildlife like grassland birds and forest bats. She moved from rural northern New York to New Jersey in 2002 and was awed by the energy, diversity, and determination of this small state that she now calls home. MacKenzie likes to dabble in anything artsy or outdoorsy and wants to one day have a colossal fruit & vegetable garden (for now, the balcony will work!).
- Phone: 908.782.4614, Ext. 104
Brian Henderson
GIS Specialist
Brian enters rare species sightings into the Biotics database. At work he deals with many species, but reptiles and amphibians are his personal interest. He received a B.S. degree in Environmental Science and has spent the last seven years working in related fields. Outside of work, Brian likes to see live music, take photographs and explore the state of New Jersey.
- Phone: 609.777.4136
April Lippet-Faczak
Nature Programs Manager
April is responsible for creating, implementing and marketing nature programs and managing the staff at Allaire Nature Center. She has provided children and adult nature programs for colleges, environmental expos, farms, garden clubs and parks. As an avid outdoorswoman, April has participated in activities with the Outdoor Women's League of NJ, Outdoor Club of SJ. and is a Certified Master Gardener. She also enjoys kayaking.
- Phone: 732.938.2003
Todd Pover
Beach Nesting Bird Project Manager
Todd oversees managing, monitoring, and research of piping plovers, least terns, black skimmers, and American oystercatchers in New Jersey. He has been involved in the beach nesting bird project since 1994. When not working (or playing) on the beach, Todd enjoys traveling, movies, and culinary pursuits. He resides in Tuckerton with his teenage daughter, Aurora.
- Phone: 609.628.0401
Liz Silvernail
Director of Development
Liz is membership manager, event planner and director of giving for the Foundation. She is responsible for engaging people in our mission and enabling them to support it with contributions, membership donations, sponsorships and grants. A native of New York State, Liz enjoys surf fishing in New Jersey and raising 3 great children.
- Phone: 609.292.3707
Larissa Smith
Wildlife Biologist and Volunteer Manager
Larissa has worked for the CWF foundation since 2000 as a Wildlife biologist. She coordinates CWF's volunteers and works on the New Jersey Bald Eagle project as well as a variety of other projects. She has a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Stockton College and an M.A. in Environmental Education from Rowan University. She volunteers at a local animal shelter and lives with a rescued dog, cats, chickens and a duck.
- Phone: 609.628.0402
Ben Wurst
Habitat Program Manager
Ben is responsible for identifying and restoring degraded wildlife habitat and he helps manage and protect ospreys in New Jersey as the Osprey Project Manager. He received a B.S. in Environmental Science with emphasis in Wildlife Conservation from Unity College in 2004. Ben also works on a variety of other conservation projects that include peregrine falcons and diamondback terrapins. Outside of work, Ben enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two children, Kaitlin and Reed. He also enjoys photography, backpacking, and woodworking. Ben collects salvaged wood that he uses to create picture frames and other artwork. Check out his work on Etsy.
- Phone: 609.628.2103
Give the gift of wildlife
When you Adopt a Species, you give the gift of wildlife. You show the wildlife lover in your family that you really care and that you support a worthwhile cause.
Wildlife Viewing Map
Learn the best sites to view wildlife in New Jersey. Created by biologists who work to protect the species you wish to view!