Marigold Walkins

Marigold Walkins (She/Her)

Director of Research

Fairfax, VA

Marigold Walkins serves as ReFED's Director of Research. She has over 15 years of experience using data-driven research to inform environmental policy and advance action on deforestation, climate change, and sustainable land use. She has worked across government, think tanks, and civil society, with a consistent focus on translating complex evidence into practical tools for policymakers and practitioners.

Most recently, Marigold was Director of Research at World Forest ID, where she led efforts to build the evidence base for using scientific testing to trace the origin of timber and agricultural commodities to promote responsible global supply chains. She also led partnerships, including with Virginia Tech, applying advanced trade analytics to detect high-risk or illicit shipments.

In previous roles at Forest Trends and ODI Global, Marigold led research on the effectiveness of climate finance and methods to quantify deforestation risk in timber and food supply chains. Her work has contributed to improved understanding of climate finance impact and informed international policy outcomes, including increased protections for endangered Amazonian species.

Originally from the UK, Marigold studied at the University of Cambridge before beginning her career in the UK Government. In 2009, she moved to the U.S. to pursue a master’s in Geography at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.