Courtney Vail is a senior policy professional who has worked within the conservation and animal welfare field for nearly 35 years. As a biologist and social scientist with a deep background in environmental policy and psychology, she has provided leadership for diverse domestic and international programs.

She has worked in the Caribbean region for decades supporting the only legally binding biodiversity convention in collaboration with UNEP. Mrs. Vail helped to develop the Marine Mammal Action Plan for the region under the SPAW Protocol. Including being the co-founder of a nonprofit organization that supports local communities and marine life in Haiti. She works with global collaborators to address the most critical issues facing our planet, and is an advisor to several organizations working to create sanctuaries for whales and dolphins, restore wolves to Colorado, and prevent the next pandemic through addressing our relationship with nature. 

She holds a B.S. in Wildlife Biology and a M.S. in Psychology.

Her mantra is ‘The Power of One,’ believing every individual has the power and obligation to make a difference. 

Courtney currently leads Oceanic Preservation Society’s (OPS) global campaigns, education, and policy initiatives.