Executive Director, WRAP Americas
As the newly appointed Executive Director of WRAP Americas, Leah Karrer brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for climate action through circular business practices, government policies, and consumer behavior change.
With over 25-years of experience building, advising and directing multi-million dollar global conservation initiatives, Leah has consistently demonstrated exceptional strategic planning, partnership building, and project management skills.
Prior to joining WRAP, Leah developed and managed the Global Environment Facility’s portfolio of circular economy related projects, including a suite of over $200M plastic pollution reducing projects in 20 countries. In this position, she served on the advisory boards of the WRI-hosted Platform for Circular Economy and the WEF-hosted Global Plastic Action Partnership Program.
While serving as Deputy Chief Economist and previously International Affairs Specialist at NOAA, Leah earned the U.S. Department of Commerce Bronze Award. While directing the marine science program at Conservation International, Leah earned the Head in the Sky Award for her leadership of the $12M science-to-action program in five countries.
Leah holds a Ph.D. from Duke University and a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, where she developed a strong foundation in sustainability, including the importance of articulating the socioeconomic benefits and costs of sustainability options.
In her personal time, Leah is a local activist and advocate for zero waste solutions in Washington, DC. She is promoting reuse systems at the World Bank, local restaurants and grocers and recently curated the Smithsonian Museum’s first sustainable living exhibit to raise public awareness and shift behavior. The co-creator of the smartphone app Find Green, the first geospatial platform where users can find, compare and rate businesses based on their sustainability in order to collectively drive businesses to go green, Leah is also the proud mother of two increasingly sustainable daughters.
Leah is excited about the opportunity to build the WRAP Americas office and work collaboratively with WRAP's public and private sector partners.