Media Contact:
Robin Carr, Landis Communications Inc
Email: Redwoods@LandisPR.com | Phone: (415) 766-0927
Friedman will shepherd the League’s public policy and funding at the local, state, and federal levels
San Francisco, Calif. (June 26, 2025) — Save the Redwoods League announced today that Ben Friedman has been promoted to director of government affairs and public funding. His position is key to supporting the programmatic capacity of the League, which works to protect and restore coast redwood and giant sequoia ecosystems. Friedman will report to Paul Ringgold, chief program officer.
“Since his first day at the League, Ben has demonstrated a remarkable passion and talent for securing vital funding to support our conservation activities,” said Ringgold. “His tremendous heart has helped him build trust and credibility for the League among funders at every level, making it possible for us to reach some of our greatest milestones. The level of government affairs experience that he brings is integral to strengthening the important relationships that help the League advance our goals. It’s been a privilege to watch Ben grow over the years into such an essential member of our team, and his leadership will continue to carry our conservation mission further.”
“I’m incredibly grateful for the League’s continued trust as I step into this exciting new role,” said Friedman. “Redwood and giant sequoia forests are singularly inspiring, and the League’s dedication to safeguarding these iconic landscapes for future generations continues to motivate my work. I’m honored to continue advocating for the protection, stewardship and investment in these timeless forests among local, state and federal stakeholders alongside our extraordinary partners.”
Friedman joined Save the Redwoods League in 2022 as its public grants officer, shepherding state and federal grant applications. Prior to joining the League, he served as program manager at the Western Conservation Foundation, leading conservation campaigns alongside grantee organizations advocating for outdoor access and protection. He was also the national conservation lands coordinator for The Wilderness Society, facilitating advocacy regarding the Land and Water Conservation Fund and coordinating a coalition influencing the Bureau of Land Management’s environmental and fiscal policies. Friedman also staffed the Energy and Mineral Resources subcommittee for chair Jim Costa, D-CA, in the House Natural Resources Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives.
In 2024, the League promoted Friedman to government affairs and public grants officer, where he contributed to the passage of CA-Proposition 4, which significantly bolsters state funding for climate resilience, wildfire prevention, drinking water quality and natural resource management throughout California. He helped the League raise crucial funding in support of getting Prop 4 on the California ballot and championed the bond to state legislators, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration and the public in the months leading up to the election. Friedman has secured public funding grants for many of the League’s major initiatives, including the restoration of ‘O Rew Redwoods Gateway, the protection of Lost Coast Redwoods and the fire resilience work in giant sequoia forests as a key member of the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition.
In his new leadership role as director of government affairs and public funding, Friedman will oversee and implement all aspects of the League’s public policy and public funding activities to support programmatic goals. He will work to elevate redwood and giant sequoia conservation efforts with land management agencies and elected officials at the local, state and federal levels, and manage the League’s public grants program.
Friedman earned his Master of environmental management from Yale University’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and his Bachelor of Arts in geological studies from Brown University.
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To schedule an interview, contact Robin Carr at (415) 766-0927 or Redwoods@LandisPR.com.
Tags: 2025, Press Release, Staff
