Carmera Thomas-Wilhite is deeply rooted in her passion for community, environmental awareness, and the natural world. As the vice president for communities and partnerships at CBF, she leads efforts to ensure that the mission to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay is inclusive and community-centered. Carmera’s leadership is grounded in the belief that environmental stewardship should reflect the diverse experiences and needs of the communities it serves—and that everyone deserves a voice in shaping environmental solutions.

Before stepping into her current role, Carmera was the director of urban conservation initiatives at The Conservation Fund, where she led an initiative to create safe, accessible green spaces through community-driven planning and conservation. Her career began with the Chesapeake Conservation Corps, continuing into positions as the healthy harbor manager with the Waterfront Partnership and as the Baltimore program manager at CBF, where she cultivated her commitment to equity in environmental work. Carmera serves on several boards, including Waterfront Partnership and Friends of Anacostia Park, and is the vice chair of the Anne Arundel Watershed Stewards Academy. Carmera is a graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She enjoys camping and spending time with her husband and their dog, embracing the nature she loves.