Eric Lagally holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Washington University in St. Louis and a Ph.D in Bioengineering from the University of California, Berkeley.
His career began in academic research, applying microfabrication techniques to genetic detection to develop systems that could detect single bacterial cells in as little as 30 minutes. He later spent more than a decade in higher education leadership at one of the largest universities in the United States, progressing from instructor to Associate Dean of Data Analytics. It was there he honed his skills in operations, helping thousands of students learn and graduate, setting department strategy, and developing new programs. More recently, he worked as a Lead Decision Intelligence Designer, helping combine people, process, and technology for enhanced decision-making.
Eric’s expertise includes team leadership, program and project management, data analytics, stakeholder engagement, budgeting, and organizational change. He applies those skills to strengthen the systems and capacity behind our wildlife advocacy. He helps translate strategy into action across campaigns, volunteer engagement, outreach, grants, donor relations, and communications.
A lifelong birder, Eric learned from his father the art of patiently observing and listening, skills he uses in his work daily. He has volunteered with multiple environmental nonprofits in the Puget Sound region on projects including amphibian research and riparian corridor reforestation. Eric enjoys trail running, kayaking, and woodworking.
He lives outside Seattle with his human family, dog Captain, and cat Shadow.
