Mark Wenzler

He/Him/His

Director, Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative

Education — Programming

About Mark

Mark is the inaugural director of Chautauqua’s Climate Change Initiative. The initiative has three focal areas: (1) robust programming in the summer season and year-round that educates our constituencies about climate change and inspires them to act; (2) multiple initiatives that advance Chautauqua Lake conservation and restoration; and (3) “greening” Chautauqua’s operations through sustainability initiatives. Based in the Washington, D.C. office, Mark is frequently in Chautauqua in the summer and throughout the year.

Mark is an environmental lawyer by training, having served most recently as the senior vice president at the National Parks Conservation Association. Prior to that Mark led climate and energy programs at the National Environmental Trust, was an environmental trial lawyer at the Public Justice law firm, and served as an environmental enforcement attorney for the New Jersey Attorney General.

Why did you choose to work at Chautauqua? What do you like about working at Chautauqua?

A supporting, caring community. Curiosity about the world. And commitment to a mission that is centered on realizing our full potential as humans. These things I strongly value. And so like a moth to a flame, I was irresistibly drawn to this “community of artists, educators, thinkers, faith leaders and friends dedicated to exploring the best in humanity.”

Current and Former Volunteer or Board Roles

I chair the board of trustees of Experience Learning, a wilderness, adventure-based education and environmental stewardship organization nestled among the High Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, a place I dearly love and where my family has a home. I serve as secretary of the board of Climate Ride, which organizes biking and hiking adventures around the globe that raises funds and awareness to combat the climate crisis. Longer ago I chaired the Washington, D.C. chapter of the Sierra Club, where I focused on improving air and water in my home city.

Professional Affiliations

Member of the District of Columbia bar

Personal Interests

I’m a lover of outdoor adventures and travel, hiking, biking, paddling, running, backpacking, surfing, and skiing around the U.S. and the world. I love my rescue chihuahua and adventure buddy, Ranger.