Wendy Sommer

Work

Wendy Solmssen Sommer is the director of EDF's Strategic Partner program, which recruits and engages a bipartisan network of influential voices to help achieve the organization's goals on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures.

Strategic Partners, be they opinion leaders within the business, economic, science, health, religious and public service sectors, or those with direct access to leaders in Congress or the Administration, play a key role in elevating EDF's values and views in the legislative debate.

From op-eds to personal calls, from in-state gatherings to Capitol Hill meetings, their prominent voices leverage critical influence throughout the political process. To maximize the value of these unique voices, Wendy also works closely with colleague organizations to broaden the environmental community’s Strategic Partner network and develop collaborative strategies.

Background

Over her career, Wendy has built recognized expertise in cultivating and engaging value-based relationships to advance the goals of a broad variety of institutions.

Prior to joining Environmental Defense Fund, she served from 1995-2005 as senior vice president for development at the League of Conservation Voters, as Executive Director of the Petra Foundation from 1993-1995, and as Director of the Brattleboro Music School in Brattleboro, VT from 1984-1993.