Daniella serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Openlands, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in environmental conservation, forestry, and management. In her role, she oversees key organizational functions, including Policy and Conservation, Land Management, Administration, and Human Resources. She translates Openlands’ strategic plan into actionable work, implements process improvements to enhance efficiency, and fosters a culture grounded in equity, inclusion, and collaboration.
Prior to joining Openlands, Daniella held senior roles at NYC Parks, where she led forest restoration efforts in The Bronx and oversaw the Million Trees Training program, introducing young adults to environmental careers. She earned a Master of Science in Forestry from Michigan Technological University and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Illinois Chicago. Daniella remains actively engaged with the International Society of Arboriculture, the Green Communities Leadership Institute, and thought leadership initiatives with higher education institutions. A visionary leader, she is committed to collaborating with local communities to deepen their connection to nature and to advance their own conservation visions for where they live. She is recognized for cultivating and empowering diverse teams and building strategic relationships that drive systemic change for the benefit of people and nature.
Contact Information
- Email: dpereira@openlands.org
- Phone: 312.863.6271
ISA Certified Arborist
IL-9107A
