Shepherd Family
Today, David Shepherd’s legacy is continued through the leadership and dedication of the Shepherd family. The Shepherd family plays an intricate part in the running of David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF).
Georgina ‘Peanut’ Lamb – Chief Executive
Georgina is David Shepherd’s granddaughter and has been Chief Executive of DSWF since April 2020, having previously served as Head of Programmes and Policy for six years.
She was given the nickname ‘Peanut’ as a baby by her grandfather while her parents were choosing her name and the nickname has stuck.
Georgina has been an ‘unofficial’ ambassador for over 20 years after she first spoke at a DSWF fundraising dinner in London at the age of ten, calling on audience members to dig deep into their pockets to support DSWF’s vital work.
Georgina has previously headed up the DSWF conservation portfolio and led the Foundation’s policy-related work around the trade in illegal wildlife products. Georgina was instrumental in positioning DSWF as a leading pangolin charity in the United Kingdom.
“I have lived and breathed conservation since the day I was born. Whilst Grandad invoked in us all a passion and enthusiasm to wholeheartedly and unashamedly embrace our love for wildlife, it was during my mother Melanie’s time as CEO, when I was growing up, that I first realised the severity of the situation plaguing the planet. I feel deeply honoured to be continuing the family legacy and to be representing the brave men and women on the front line of conservation in our joint fight to end wildlife crime.”
Whilst Georgina brings with her new ideas for the Foundation, she intends to stay true to the strong art heritage of the Foundation. David’s iconic paintings are loved throughout the world, and Wildlife Artist of the Year annually celebrates creative arts as a platform for bringing DSWF’s work to new audiences.
Many people, remembering David, can easily imagine how delighted he would be to see the Foundation’s leadership move to such a vibrant, eloquent and charismatic new leader. Had he known that this would be his granddaughter he would have beamed with joy. David’s legacy is safe in Georgina’s expert hands.
Melanie Shepherd – Chairman of Board of Trustees
Melanie is David Shepherd’s daughter and was Chief Executive of the Foundation for over 25 years, developing and leading the organisation from its infancy to its highly regarded position as a leading conservation organisation today.
Now, in her role as Chairman of the DSWF Board of Trustees, Melanie drives the strategic growth and direction of the organisation, working closely with the team. Having an intimate knowledge of DSWF’s work, based upon decades of building trust and relationships with the ground-based conservation partners DSWF supports, Melanie continues to be fully committed to all the projects across Africa and Asia and is at the forefront of all DSWF major activities.
“Having been brought up with a father who was driven by an energetic passion for wildlife and the environment, it was hard not to get involved. It’s been a privilege to work with wonderful teams, and especially the dedicated unsung heroes fighting wildlife crime on the front line of conservation. My father was a Man Who Loved Giants, with a huge personality and commitment through his paintings. I am immensely proud to be able to continue his legacy for future generations.”
Mandy Shepherd – Wildlife Art Ambassador
Mandy is David Shepherd’s daughter and a renowned wildlife, portrait and military artist. Having been inspired by David’s love of both Africa and the military, Mandy has forged her own career with her paintings gracing high-profile walls across the world.
She is committed to supporting the Foundation, both by donating artwork regularly to raise funds and by speaking at events on our behalf to raise vital awareness about our core conservation mission and artists’ heritage. Mandy is one of DSWF’s ultra-talented Wildlife Art Ambassadors.
Emily Lamb – Art Patron & Wildlife Art Ambassador
Emily Lamb is David Shepherd’s eldest granddaughter and world-renowned wildlife and environmental artist.
Having enjoyed multiple sell-out shows across the world, Emily’s passion and commitment for wildlife and the planet is reflected in both her style and by the speed at which she creates.
She believes the world does not have time for us to idly sit by and, as a result, produces bodies of work to both reflect and support the work of DSWF and other environmental and welfare issues. Emily is DSFW’s first Art Patron and one of DSWF’s Wildlife Art Ambassadors and actively campaigns and fundraises throughout the year to support the Foundation’s work. In 2019 she created the Instagram movement #SketchForWildlife, which raised over £45,000 in one year alone and continues to be successful.