Executive Director

Bat Conservation International (BCI) is pleased to announce that, following a nationwide search, the Board of Director’s has selected Dr. Daphne Carlson, DVM, PhD as the next Executive Director, effective July 20th, 2026.

Dr. Carlson joins BCI from Conservation X Labs (CXL) where she currently serves as Chief Conservation Officer and Managing Director of Molecular Diagnostics. In these roles, Dr. Carlson led the development and deployment of NABIT, a field-deployable platform for molecular diagnostics, across applications ranging from invasive species detection to pathogen surveillance. Prior to her time at CXL, Dr. Carlson spent 11 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service where she led international conservation programs, oversaw more than $150 million in financial assistance and team of 40-subject matter experts. Dr. Carlson’s work has spanned legal and illegal wildlife trade and global biodiversity policy.

As the next Executive Director of BCI, Dr. Carlson will join the organization in its 45th year working to protect bats and their habitats around the world while embarking on a new strategic plan. She will be a steward of collaborative science and conservation efforts across the organization and work to enhance and expand BCI’s partnerships and global reputation.

Dr. Carlson earned her BA in Biology and Chemistry from Boston University, her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Tufts University, and her Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and PhD in Epidemiology from the University of California, Davis.

Natalie Leonhard led this search with Hayden Lizotte and Lily Sethares.