For the 2024-2025 season, Claire Keeley served as the Harkey Development & Communications Intern for “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) on Sanibel Island. Now, she has returned to take the position of program coordinator.
After her “Ding” internship, Keeley headed to Acadia National Park in Maine to work with the friends group there, continuing her role and interest in nonprofit communications and development as digital content creator.
“My experience working with DDWS provided me with essential skills and a newfound love of working in a friends group,” she said. “In Maine, I developed a deeper understanding of how integral nonprofit friends groups are when it comes to supporting public lands. I look forward to applying all that I have learned as I embark on my next adventure with DDWS.”
Keeley hails originally from Gaithersburg, Md. She graduated from Denison University in Granville, Ohio, with majors in environmental studies and biology, and a minor in visual arts. She also served there as an administrative and communications assistant for Arts@Denison, where she created graphics and marketed all arts-related events on campus to the public and student body. She worked, too, as a teaching assistant and senior fellow for the Environmental Studies Department on campus.
“As program coordinator, I look forward to connecting with the greater community in a multitude of ways to support DDWS’ mission of advancing conservation, education, and advocacy efforts to promote environmental stewardship,” said Keeley. “What is so special about this position is that I have an opportunity to extend the magic of the refuge beyond its borders, reaching the hearts of many well past the bounds of Sanibel Island. That is truly a special feeling.”
“With her passion and enthusiasm for conservation-based work so evident during her last stint with us, we knew we wanted Claire back to fill this important role advancing the refuge’s commitment to community outreach and conservation education,” said DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman. “Since then, opportunity to work at nonprofits whose missions revolve around supporting public lands has strengthened what Claire brings to the ‘Ding’ team. We welcome her warmly.”
ABOUT DDWS
As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, DDWS works to support J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s mission of conservation, wildlife and habitat protection, research, and public education through charitable donations and Refuge Nature Shop profits. To support DDWS and the refuge with a tax-deductible gift, visit dingdarlingsociety.org or Ann-Marie Wildman at 239-789-8991 or [email protected].
