The Nature Conservancy Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to global environmental preservation, The Nature Conservancy drives science-based solutions to protect lands and waters while balancing human needs with sustainable resource management across seventy countries.

Leadership Roles at The Nature Conservancy

  • Chief Executive Officer - Bonnie Monteleone
  • 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 of Staff - Monica Ward
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Shan Liang
  • Chief of Staff & Director, Portfolio Management - Matthew Jackson
  • Chief People Officer - Michael Tetreault
  • Manager, Human Resources & Chief People Officer - Amanda Meadows
  • Chief Marketing & Communications Officer - Meg Goldthwaite
  • Bonnie Monteleone - Chief Executive Officer

    Bonnie Monteleone, the Chief Executive Officer at The Nature Conservancy, directs the global strategic vision for environmental protection. Overseeing operations across seventy countries, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between scientific research and large-scale land preservation initiatives. This leadership role involves engaging international stakeholders to advance climate action and sustainable resource management policies. By fostering partnerships with governments and private entities, Monteleone secures the necessary funding and political support for habitat restoration projects. The Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on long-term ecological health, ensuring that every conservation effort delivers measurable impact. Through rigorous oversight of organizational goals, Bonnie Monteleone drives the mission to protect critical ecosystems. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer establishes the framework for balancing human development with the urgent need for biodiversity conservation on a global scale.
    Bonnie Monteleone

    Brea Jones - Chief Operating Officer

    Brea Jones, the Chief Operating Officer at The Nature Conservancy, manages the execution of large-scale conservation projects and field operations. Overseeing the implementation of land preservation and water conservation strategies, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that scientific goals translate into tangible environmental outcomes. This role involves coordinating logistics across diverse geographic regions, including Africa and Oceania, to maintain operational continuity. By optimizing resource deployment, Jones supports the effective delivery of habitat restoration programs. The Chief Operating Officer works closely with regional directors to mitigate risks and enhance the efficiency of field-based activities. Brea Jones drives the operational standards necessary to balance human needs with environmental protection. Through rigorous management of project lifecycles, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every initiative adheres to the highest standards of sustainability and ecological integrity.
    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 flow for the office of the Chief Operating Officer. Facilitating communication between field teams and executive leadership, the Executive Coordinator ensures that critical information regarding land preservation projects reaches the appropriate decision-makers. This role involves organizing complex schedules and project timelines to support the efficient delivery of conservation initiatives across North America and Europe. By maintaining rigorous documentation and tracking project milestones, O'Connor enables the Chief Operating Officer to focus on high-level strategic oversight. The Executive Coordinator To the Chief Operating Officer streamlines internal processes to enhance the speed and accuracy of operational responses to environmental crises. Lydia O'Connor supports the mission by ensuring that the leadership team remains informed and prepared to address evolving ecological challenges.

    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, architects the framework for risk mitigation and operational strategy. Overseeing the assessment of environmental and financial risks, the Director ensures that conservation portfolios remain resilient against global challenges. This role involves developing strategies to protect the integrity of land and water assets while maintaining operational efficiency. By analyzing portfolio performance, Brotman identifies opportunities to improve the impact of climate action and sustainable resource management programs. The Chief Operating Officer & Director, Risk, Portfolio Strategy & Operations collaborates with the board to ensure that all activities align with the organization's long-term mission. Seth Brotman drives the implementation of robust operational protocols that safeguard the organization's ability to protect critical habitats. Through strategic risk management, the Director secures the foundation for future conservation success.

    Monica Ward - Chief of Staff

    Monica Ward, the Chief of Staff at The Nature Conservancy, coordinates executive workflows to optimize organizational efficiency. Managing internal communications and cross-departmental projects, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic priorities receive consistent attention from leadership. This role involves facilitating decision-making processes that support land and water conservation efforts across North America and beyond. By streamlining administrative operations, Ward enables the executive team to focus on high-impact environmental solutions. The Chief of Staff monitors progress on key conservation milestones, providing the necessary data to inform policy advocacy and resource allocation. Monica Ward maintains operational excellence by aligning daily activities with the broader mission of protecting natural habitats. Through meticulous planning and execution, the Chief of Staff strengthens the internal infrastructure required to address complex environmental challenges effectively and sustainably.

    Shan Liang - Chief Marketing Officer

    Shan Liang, the Chief Marketing Officer at The Nature Conservancy, architects the global brand strategy to amplify awareness of critical environmental challenges. Overseeing digital engagement and public outreach, the Chief Marketing Officer drives campaigns that highlight the importance of science-based conservation solutions. This role involves crafting narratives that connect donors and the public to habitat restoration and species protection projects across multiple continents. By leveraging data-driven insights, Liang optimizes communication channels to maximize support for climate action initiatives. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with regional teams to ensure consistent messaging regarding sustainable resource management. Shan Liang directs the development of innovative marketing approaches that translate complex ecological data into actionable public advocacy. Through strategic brand positioning, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the reach of the organization, ensuring that the mission resonates with diverse global audiences.

    Matthew Jackson - Chief of Staff & Director, Portfolio Management

    Matthew Jackson, the Chief of Staff & Director, Portfolio Management at The Nature Conservancy, oversees the integration of strategic planning with project portfolio execution. Managing the alignment of conservation investments, the Director ensures that resources flow toward the most impactful environmental solutions. This role involves evaluating the performance of various land and water protection programs to maximize ecological returns. By synthesizing data from multiple regions, Jackson provides the executive team with clear visibility into the progress of global conservation efforts. The Chief of Staff & Director, Portfolio Management facilitates cross-functional collaboration to address complex environmental challenges through structured project management. Matthew Jackson drives the optimization of the organizational portfolio, ensuring that every initiative supports the core mission of sustainable resource management. Through disciplined oversight, the Director maintains the balance between immediate conservation needs and long-term strategic objectives.

    Michael Tetreault - Chief People Officer

    Michael Tetreault, the Chief People Officer at The Nature Conservancy, directs the human capital strategy to support a global workforce dedicated to environmental conservation. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture, the Chief People Officer ensures that the team possesses the expertise required to address complex ecological challenges. This role involves fostering an inclusive environment that attracts professionals committed to science-based solutions and sustainable resource management. By implementing performance management systems, Tetreault aligns individual contributions with the broader mission of protecting lands and waters. The Chief People Officer collaborates with leadership to build a resilient organization capable of operating across diverse geographic regions. Michael Tetreault drives initiatives that promote employee engagement and professional growth, ensuring that the staff remains motivated to achieve ambitious conservation goals. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief People Officer strengthens the foundation of the organization.
    Michael Tetreault

    Amanda Meadows - Manager, Human Resources & Chief People Officer

    Amanda Meadows, the Manager, Human Resources & Chief People Officer at The Nature Conservancy, manages the operational aspects of human resources while contributing to the overarching people strategy. Overseeing the administration of benefits, compliance, and employee relations, the Manager ensures that the workforce remains supported and focused on conservation objectives. This role involves implementing policies that facilitate effective collaboration across international offices, particularly in South America and Africa. By streamlining HR processes, Meadows enables the organization to scale its efforts in habitat restoration and species protection. The Manager, Human Resources & Chief People Officer works to maintain a positive workplace culture that reflects the values of environmental stewardship. Amanda Meadows drives the development of training programs that equip staff with the skills necessary for modern conservation work. Through diligent management of personnel operations, the Manager supports the long-term success of the organization's mission.
    Amanda Meadows

    Meg Goldthwaite - Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

    Meg Goldthwaite, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at The Nature Conservancy, directs the global communication strategy to influence environmental policy and public perception. Overseeing media relations, digital content, and advocacy communications, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer ensures that the organization's science-based solutions reach key decision-makers and the general public. This role involves managing the brand's voice across diverse platforms to highlight the urgency of climate action and water conservation. By coordinating with regional offices, Goldthwaite ensures that communication efforts reflect the specific environmental challenges faced in different parts of the world. The Chief Marketing & Communications Officer drives the development of campaigns that inspire action and support for habitat protection. Meg Goldthwaite maintains the integrity of the brand, ensuring that all messaging aligns with the core mission of sustainable resource management. Through strategic communication, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer expands the organization's influence.
    Meg Goldthwaite

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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 Bonnie Monteleone (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Brea Jones (Chief Operating Officer) and Lydia O'Connor (Executive Coordinator To the Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of The Nature Conservancy’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Nature Conservancy includes leaders such as Bonnie Monteleone (Chief Executive Officer), Brea Jones (Chief Operating Officer), Lydia O'Connor (Executive Coordinator To the 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, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Coordinator To the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Director, Risk, Portfolio Strategy & Operations, Chief of Staff.