Laurel Angell

Laurel Angell has dedicated her career to protecting western lands, waters, and wildlife. Her passion for this work is rooted in her childhood and inspired by her parents who worked for the National Park Service, and so, she grew up in Yosemite National Park in the shadow of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Her work in environmental education with the Peace Corps, national parks such as Grand Canyon, and nonprofits led her to a lifelong commitment to finding common-ground solutions to environmental challenges.

Her father, Lt. Col. Fred Angell, served with distinction in the Army and Army Reserves after putting himself through college via ROTC. His deep sense of public service and unwavering support for family, friends, community and country – especially in times of need — left a lasting impression on Laurel. This is one reason she has sought out engaging with More Perfect Union.

Throughout her career, Laurel has worked to find common ground and bridge divides in conservation and climate policy. She has served in diverse roles, including as staff for the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources, with the Peace Corps, environmental foundations, and as an adjunct professor of environmental law. Currently, she is Director of Government Relations and Policy at the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y), where she works to connect and protect landscapes so people and nature can thrive. Previously, she was a strategic consultant, advising foundations and conservation groups on public funding, deep canvassing, and and building strategies to restore and enhance lands and waters in service to people, nature, and more resilient communities.

Now based in Bozeman, Montana, Laurel enjoys humor writing, time with her rescue animals, and exploring the Northern Rockies—especially when accompanied by her dogs.