People

Panthera is led by an expert team who work on the frontlines of conservation throughout the world.

Explore our people: Leadership, Species Directors, New York office, UK office, On the Ground

Leadership

Thomas S. Kaplan, PhD
Founder and Chairman of the Board

Dr. Thomas S. Kaplan is a passionate environmentalist and supporter of wildlife conservation. Alongside his wife, Daphne Recanati Kaplan, they founded Panthera in 2006 to meet the global...

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Alan Rabinowitz, PhD
Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Alan Rabinowitz is one of the world’s leading big cat experts, and has been called ‘The Indiana Jones of Wildlife Conservation’ by TIME Magazine. Dr. Rabinowitz graduated from the University...

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Luke Hunter, PhD
President

Dr. Luke Hunter serves as Panthera’s President where he oversees the direction and strategy of all of the organization’s global wild cat conservation programs. Before joining Panthera, Dr. Hunter...

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George Schaller, PhD
Vice President

Known as one of the founding fathers of wildlife conservation, Dr. George Schaller now serves as the Vice President of Panthera. Born in Germany in 1933, Dr. Schaller received his undergraduate...

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Andrea Heydlauff, MS
Vice President

Andrea Heydlauff serves as Panthera's Vice President, where she helps oversee the day to day operations of the organization. Since January 2010, she has managed Panthera’s Communications and Media...

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Gary Baldaeus
Chief Financial Officer

Gary serves as Panthera‘s Chief Financial Officer. After completing eight years of military service during the 1960’s, he obtained his BBA in accounting from City University of New York-Baruch...

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