Leslie Jones

Leslie Jones has a diverse range of work experience in the environmental and conservation field. Leslie is currently a Senior Conservation Fellow at the USDA-NRE, where they began in February 2022. Prior to this, Leslie held various roles at American Forests, including Senior Vice President of Policy and Vice President for External Affairs from 2020 to 2021. Leslie also worked as a Research Fellow at the College of the Atlantic starting in 2017. Leslie's experience includes serving as the Chief of Staff at Oceana, a global conservation organization, from 2018 to 2019. Leslie has also worked at the USDA as a Deputy Under Secretary, Chief of Staff, and Senior Advisor from 2011 to 2017. Before that, Leslie worked at The Wilderness Society as General Counsel and Staff Attorney from 2000 to 2011, and at the State of Vermont Attorney General's office as a Staff Attorney from 1997 to 1999.

Leslie Jones obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Human Ecology from the College of the Atlantic. Later, they pursued further education at Vermont Law School, earning a Master of Environmental Law degree as well as a Doctor of Law (JD) degree from Vermont Law and Graduate School. Leslie also holds a Private Pilot License, which was obtained in the year 2012.