Melinda Housholder

Melinda Housholder is an experienced professional in conservation and environmental management, currently serving as Portfolio Manager for Foundations and Government Support at Ocean Conservancy since September 2021. Prior to this role, Melinda held the position of Operations & Development Manager at Osa Conservation from November 2016 to September 2021 and worked as a Costa Rica Program Leader at Walking Tree Travel for a brief period in 2016. Melinda's experience includes teaching IB Biology at Lincoln School in Costa Rica and roles in environmental education and research assistance, notably with the Monteverde Butterfly Garden and the Leatherback & Pacific Green Sea Turtle Project. Melinda has also made significant contributions to urban forestry programs at American Forests and worked with the U.S. National Park Service and the African Biodiversity Collaborative Group. Melinda holds a Master of Science in Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development with a focus on Environmental Policy from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology & Art History from the University of Colorado Boulder.