Areas of Expertise: Florida conservation issues, endangered species; conservation biology, wildlife habitat preserve planning and management, growth management, transportation, grassroots organizing, and public education 

Laurie oversees the work of Defenders Florida program team in protecting and restoring Florida’s imperiled wildlife, their habitat and a statewide ecological network. Laurie chairs the Florida Panther Technical Advisory Council to which she was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush, and serves on several species Recovery Teams as well as policy task forces, such as, the Florida Transportation Plan 2025 Steering Committee. As a steering committee member of the Florida Forever Coalition Laurie is working to meet the needs of this rapidly developing state by advocating for reauthorization and increased funding for the Florida Forever Act, the largest state land acquisition program in the country.

In 1994 Laurie joined Defenders of Wildlife as a part-time field representative for Defenders’ first Florida program - the Habitat for Bears Campaign - to protect the threatened Florida black bear. Prior to joining Defenders, Laurie split her time between her wildlife consulting business and volunteer work with the Sierra Club and other conservation organizations. Past pro bono work included chairing the national Sierra Club Endangered Species and Habitats campaign and the Florida League of Conservation Voters. Laurie has always sought to combine science and advocacy in her conservation work.

Laurie earned her B.A. from the University of Oregon, Eugene and her M.S. in Zoology at the University of South Florida, Tampa. She has authored or coauthored scientific, issue and educational documents. She is a board member of the national Endangered Species Coalition and the Everglades Law Center.