As the Director of Grants and Corporate Giving, Denise leads the team responsible for pursuing and managing the grants, contracts and contributions from foundations, businesses, and government agencies that support the Xerces Society’s programs. She studied history and political science at the University of Portland in Portland, Oregon and, after spending several years working on international development programming in Asia, she is excited to focus her fundraising energies on invertebrate conservation and protection. Originally from southern Oregon, Denise enjoys spending her free time exploring the Pacific Northwest. From Crater Lake to Mt. Rainier, and everything in between, each site holds a special place in her heart.