WHF Appoints Iliana Peña to Board of Trustees

Cat Spring, TX – February 23, 2026 – Wildlife Habitat Federation (WHF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Iliana Peña to the Board of Trustees, effective immediately. Peña brings extensive experience in land conservation strategy, habitat restoration, and collaborative stewardship to support WHF’s mission of engaging land managers in conservation practices that deliver measurable improvements in soil health and wildlife habitat.

Iliana Peña holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife & Fisheries Science from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in Range & Wildlife Management from Texas A&M University–Kingsville. She is a conservation strategies consultant who works with land trusts, government agencies, and key partners to identify high-impact land protection opportunities and advance long-lasting conservation outcomes.

Prior to launching her consulting practice, Peña served as Director of Conservation for the Texas Wildlife Association (TWA), where she led landowner outreach initiatives, strengthened stewardship programs, and helped bridge communication between policy stakeholders and on-the-ground conservation practitioners. Before her tenure at TWA, she spent 14 years with Audubon Texas, holding several leadership roles—including Director of Conservation—where she oversaw restoration and management of critical coastal, grassland, and urban habitats, as well as statewide conservation and education programs.

“Iliana’s depth of knowledge and strategic approach to conservation make her an exceptional addition to our Board,” said Garry L. Stephens, President & CEO of WHF. “Her experience working across landowners, agencies, and nonprofit partners will strengthen our ability to deliver meaningful, science-based conservation results across Texas.”

Peña has been engaged in Open Standards conservation planning since 2013 and became a Conservation Coaches Network (CCNet) Conservation Coach in 2025. She co-authored Lessons From Leopold with Steve Nelle, published in November 2024. She also serves in leadership roles across the conservation community, including as Chair of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Wildlife Conservation Advisory Committee, where she champions collaborative, conservation-minded land stewardship.

“I am honored to join the WHF Board of Trustees and support an organization that is making tangible impacts for wildlife and working lands,” said Peña. “I look forward to advancing conservation strategies that bring landowners, practitioners, and partners together to strengthen Texas’ natural resources for future generations.”

Under Peña’s guidance and alongside its Board and staff, WHF will continue expanding its conservation initiatives, strengthening partnerships, and promoting sustainable land management practices that enhance biodiversity and long-term ecosystem resilience.

About WHF:

WHF is a Texas-based nonprofit dedicated to conserving and restoring wildlife habitats through partnerships with landowners, communities, and conservation organizations. WHF works to implement habitat restoration plans, promote sustainable land management, and support biodiversity across the state. For more information, visit www.whf-texas.org.