Letise LaFeir
Chief of Conservation and Stewardship
New England Aquarium
Letise LaFeir, PhD, is the first-ever chief conservation and stewardship officer at the New England Aquarium, where she oversees the Animal Care division, Conservation Learning team and Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life.
An expert in ocean policy and conservation, she brings extensive experience across science, public policy and environmental advocacy.
Before joining the aquarium, LaFeir served as a senior advisor at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Her previous roles include director of federal policy at the Resources Legacy Fund, California ocean policy manager at Monterey Bay Aquarium, and positions in policy, national outreach, government relations and education within marine conservation organisations.
LaFeir has authored scientific publications and a book of poetry, reflecting her ability to engage with complex subjects through both research and creative expression.
A certified scuba diver, she has travelled to all seven continents and explored the ocean floor, experiences that complement her professional commitment to protecting marine environments.
Beyond conservation policy, LaFeir is a vocal advocate for racial justice and equity in science and society. She also founded Upwelling Consulting, a minority-, women-, and veteran-owned firm focused on advancing ocean conservation through legal frameworks.
Through her leadership at the New England Aquarium, extensive policy expertise and commitment to equitable environmental stewardship, LaFeir is helping connect animal care, public education and ocean conservation to support a more sustainable future for marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
