(916) 434-2759
Kurt W. Worley
Executive Director
Kurt Worley has dedicated his career to public service and environmental conservation. He is driven by a sense of responsibility for the well-being of both people and the planet. Passion for natural history, coupled with his legal expertise, led him to the Wildlife Heritage Foundation. He served in various roles as a Director on WHF’s Board for over a decade prior to serving as Executive Director. Under his guidance, the organization has continued to grow towards its mission, overseeing an extensive network of conserved lands and securing the future of critical wildlife habitats and open spaces.
Kurt is a respected figure in the California legal community and maintains an active State Bar license. He became a prosecutor to address environmental crime at a local level. As a Supervising Deputy District Attorney, he honed his legal acumen prosecuting complex crimes and mentoring junior attorneys. His commitment to environmental justice was evident in his successful prosecution of a large-scale deer and bear poaching ring. Subsequently, he served as a Commissioner of the Court, presiding over diverse cases. Successive California Supreme Court Chief Justices appointed him to serve on a committee to develop judicial education curriculum. He is a Professor at Cal Northern School of Law.
Kurt’s journey to the helm of the Wildlife Heritage Foundation is a testament to his dedication to public service and environmental stewardship. His leadership style is marked by a collaborative approach and a strong work ethic. He is known for his ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, from landowners to government agencies. He encourages an iconoclastic approach to problem solving. His leadership, expertise, and passion for conservation make him an invaluable asset to the Foundation and the broader community.
Kurt holds a BA in Legal Studies and a minor in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley, and obtained his JD from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco.
Connect
