The Nature Conservancy Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Nature Conservancy has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, communications, operations, marketing, technology, and portfolio management.

Committed to global ecological preservation, The Nature Conservancy advances science-based solutions to protect lands, waters, and biodiversity while addressing the urgent challenges of climate change and habitat loss.

Leadership Roles at The Nature Conservancy

  • Chief Executive Officer - James Remuzzi
  • Director, Chief Executive Officer Engagement and Executive Communications - Julie Korb
  • Chief Operating Officer - Brea Jones
  • Executive Coordinator To the Chief Operating Officer - Lydia O'Connor
  • Chief Operating Officer & Director, Risk, Portfolio Strategy & Operations - Seth Brotman
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Liang Shan
  • Chief of Staff - Sarah Marshall
  • Chief Technology Officer - Sherri Hammons
  • Chief of Staff & Director, Portfolio Management - Matthew Jackson
  • Managing Director - Catherine Burns
  • James Remuzzi - Chief Executive Officer

    James Remuzzi, the Chief Executive Officer at The Nature Conservancy, directs the global strategic vision for environmental conservation and ecological restoration. Remuzzi oversees the alignment of scientific research with large-scale habitat protection initiatives across diverse international landscapes. By fostering partnerships with governments, Indigenous groups, and corporate entities, the Chief Executive Officer drives the implementation of sustainable food and water solutions. This leadership role involves managing complex conservation financing models to ensure long-term biodiversity protection. James Remuzzi maintains a focus on scaling climate action programs to mitigate environmental degradation. Through rigorous oversight of organizational priorities, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all field projects adhere to the core mission of protecting critical natural resources. Ultimately, Remuzzi secures the institutional stability required to address global climate change and biodiversity loss effectively.
    James Remuzzi

    Julie Korb - Director, Chief Executive Officer Engagement and Executive Communications

    Julie Korb, the Director, Chief Executive Officer Engagement and Executive Communications at The Nature Conservancy, manages the strategic messaging and stakeholder outreach for the executive leadership team. Korb coordinates high-level communications to ensure that the organizational mission regarding habitat conservation and climate action reaches global audiences. By facilitating engagement between the Chief Executive Officer and key partners, the Director, Chief Executive Officer Engagement and Executive Communications strengthens the collaborative framework necessary for successful ecological restoration. This role involves crafting narratives that highlight the impact of scientific research on biodiversity protection. Julie Korb aligns internal messaging with external policy goals to maximize the influence of conservation initiatives. Through precise management of executive visibility, the Director, Chief Executive Officer Engagement and Executive Communications supports the broader objective of protecting natural ecosystems while maintaining transparency with donors and community stakeholders.

    Brea Jones - Chief Operating Officer

    Brea Jones, the Chief Operating Officer at The Nature Conservancy, manages the internal infrastructure and administrative systems that support global conservation field projects. Jones directs the optimization of operational workflows to ensure that resources reach critical habitat protection and ecological restoration sites efficiently. By overseeing the logistical requirements of large-scale environmental initiatives, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the organizational capacity to address biodiversity loss. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional teams to streamline project delivery and enhance operational transparency. Brea Jones implements rigorous performance standards to ensure that all internal processes support the broader mission of climate action. Through the management of administrative functions, the Chief Operating Officer provides the necessary foundation for scientific research and conservation financing. Ultimately, Jones drives the operational excellence required to protect natural ecosystems and support the communities that depend on these vital resources.
    Brea Jones

    Lydia O'Connor - Executive Coordinator To the Chief Operating Officer

    Lydia O'Connor, the Executive Coordinator To the Chief Operating Officer at The Nature Conservancy, manages the administrative and operational support for the Chief Operating Officer. O'Connor directs the scheduling and coordination of high-priority tasks related to the organization's global conservation field projects. By facilitating communication between the Chief Operating Officer and various departments, the Executive Coordinator To the Chief Operating Officer ensures that operational objectives regarding habitat protection and ecological restoration remain on track. This leadership role involves organizing complex workflows and managing the flow of information to support efficient decision-making. Lydia O'Connor monitors the progress of key administrative initiatives to ensure alignment with the broader mission of climate action. Through the management of executive support functions, the Executive Coordinator To the Chief Operating Officer provides the necessary stability for the successful execution of environmental programs. Ultimately, O'Connor supports the operational excellence required to protect critical natural resources.

    Seth Brotman - Chief Operating Officer & Director, Risk, Portfolio Strategy & Operations

    Seth Brotman, the Chief Operating Officer & Director, Risk, Portfolio Strategy & Operations at The Nature Conservancy, manages the enterprise risk framework and strategic operational planning for global conservation efforts. Brotman directs the assessment of potential risks to habitat protection and climate action projects, ensuring that the organization maintains resilience in the face of environmental and financial challenges. By overseeing portfolio strategy, the Chief Operating Officer & Director, Risk, Portfolio Strategy & Operations aligns field operations with long-term sustainability goals. This leadership role involves developing protocols to mitigate operational vulnerabilities while maximizing the impact of biodiversity preservation initiatives. Seth Brotman coordinates with the executive team to ensure that risk management practices support the overall mission of protecting critical natural resources. Through the oversight of strategic operations, the Chief Operating Officer & Director, Risk, Portfolio Strategy & Operations drives the stability required for successful ecological restoration. Ultimately, Brotman secures the organizational integrity necessary to address global environmental threats.

    Liang Shan - Chief Marketing Officer

    Liang Shan, the Chief Marketing Officer at The Nature Conservancy, architects the global brand strategy to amplify the impact of environmental conservation and climate action initiatives. Shan directs digital engagement campaigns that highlight the importance of biodiversity protection and sustainable food systems. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the reach of the organization to diverse audiences, including corporate partners and local communities. This leadership role involves overseeing the development of compelling content that showcases the success of ecological restoration projects. Liang Shan aligns marketing efforts with fundraising objectives to secure the financial resources necessary for field operations. Through the management of brand identity, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the mission of protecting critical natural resources remains at the forefront of public discourse. Ultimately, Shan drives awareness and support for the global efforts to mitigate climate change.

    Sarah Marshall - Chief of Staff

    Sarah Marshall, the Chief of Staff at The Nature Conservancy, facilitates the strategic coordination of executive priorities and organizational initiatives. Marshall directs the flow of information between the leadership team and various departments to ensure alignment with the mission of protecting lands, waters, and biodiversity. By managing the executive agenda, the Chief of Staff enables the efficient execution of climate action and sustainable food initiatives. This leadership role involves overseeing special projects that require cross-departmental collaboration and high-level oversight. Sarah Marshall monitors the progress of key strategic goals to ensure that the organization remains focused on its core environmental objectives. Through the management of internal communications and executive workflows, the Chief of Staff supports the effective implementation of science-based solutions. Ultimately, Marshall ensures that the leadership team operates with the cohesion necessary to address global environmental challenges and protect critical natural resources.

    Sherri Hammons - Chief Technology Officer

    Sherri Hammons, the Chief Technology Officer at The Nature Conservancy, architects the digital infrastructure and data systems that power global conservation research and ecological monitoring. Hammons directs the implementation of advanced technology solutions to track biodiversity trends and climate change impacts across diverse ecosystems. By overseeing the development of data-driven tools, the Chief Technology Officer enables scientists and field teams to make informed decisions regarding habitat protection. This leadership role involves managing the cybersecurity and information technology frameworks that support the organization's global operations. Sherri Hammons integrates innovative software platforms to enhance the efficiency of conservation financing and project management. Through the oversight of technological advancements, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of science-based environmental solutions. Ultimately, Hammons drives the digital transformation necessary to protect critical natural resources and support healthy ecosystems worldwide.

    Matthew Jackson - Chief of Staff & Director, Portfolio Management

    Matthew Jackson, the Chief of Staff & Director, Portfolio Management at The Nature Conservancy, oversees the strategic alignment of the organization's diverse portfolio of conservation projects. Jackson directs the evaluation of project performance to ensure that resources are allocated toward the most impactful initiatives in habitat protection and climate action. By managing the portfolio lifecycle, the Chief of Staff & Director, Portfolio Management facilitates the integration of scientific research into actionable field strategies. This leadership role involves coordinating with executive leadership to prioritize investments in biodiversity preservation and sustainable water initiatives. Matthew Jackson monitors the financial and operational health of the project portfolio to ensure consistency with the organizational mission. Through the oversight of project management standards, the Chief of Staff & Director, Portfolio Management drives the efficiency of global conservation efforts. Ultimately, Jackson ensures that all initiatives contribute to the long-term protection of critical natural resources.

    Catherine Burns - Managing Director

    Catherine Burns, the Managing Director at The Nature Conservancy, oversees the operational execution of large-scale conservation projects and ecological restoration efforts. Burns directs the integration of scientific research into practical field applications, ensuring that habitat protection initiatives meet rigorous environmental standards. By managing cross-functional teams, the Managing Director facilitates the implementation of sustainable water and land management strategies across various geographic regions. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional directors to optimize resource allocation for biodiversity preservation. Catherine Burns monitors project performance metrics to ensure alignment with the overarching organizational goals of climate mitigation. Through the oversight of complex conservation programs, the Managing Director drives the development of science-based solutions that protect critical natural resources. Ultimately, Burns ensures that all operational activities contribute to the long-term health of global ecosystems and the communities relying upon these natural assets.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Nature Conservancy Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Nature Conservancy?
    The Nature Conservancy is led by James Remuzzi (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Julie Korb (Director, Chief Executive Officer Engagement and Executive Communications) and Brea Jones (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of The Nature Conservancy’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Nature Conservancy includes leaders such as James Remuzzi (Chief Executive Officer), Julie Korb (Director, Chief Executive Officer Engagement and Executive Communications), Brea Jones (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Nature Conservancy have?
    The Nature Conservancy has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Nature Conservancy’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Nature Conservancy includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Director, Chief Executive Officer Engagement and Executive Communications, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Coordinator To the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Director, Risk, Portfolio Strategy & Operations.