Larry J. Schweiger

Larry Schweiger became President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) in March 2004 with a commitment to confront global warming to protect wildlife and our children's future.

Larry's book "Last Chance: Preserving Life on Earth" was the first place winner of the "best non-fiction book-2011" from the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

Previously, he served for eight years as President and CEO of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) during a period when the WPC advanced ecological research, land acquisition, watershed restoration, urban gardening and WPC completed the restoration of Fallingwater-the Frank Lloyd Wright designed masterpiece. Larry promoted a number of programs including expanded forest easement activity and the Conservancy acquired the land for the Erie Bluffs State Park. He increased visibility for WPC through public advocacy for Growing Greener and through regional community gardens and greening projects.

Prior to joining WPC, Schweiger was the 1st vice president of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation where he was responsible for the Foundation's resource protection, land trust activities and advocacy programs during the period, the CBF led the fight to better manage blue crabs.

Larry previously worked with the National Wildlife Federation in various roles including Senior Vice President of Conservation and Publisher of NWF award-winning magazines.

Larry served the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee of the Pennsylvania General Assembly as a field representative and later as Executive Secretary from 1971-1981.

Larry is an active community leader, having served on more than 45 governing boards,commissions and committees. He has received many awards for his efforts in conservation including the Distinguished Service Award for Special Conservation Achievement from NWF in June 1995, and the Conservation Service Award from the Christian Environmental Association in September 1995. He was selected as Pennsylvania's Environmental Professional of the Year in 2002. Larry was honored with a Doctorate at Waynesburg College May 15, 2005.

Larry is married to Clara Schweiger and has three adult daughters, two-son-in-laws and three grandsons.