The Nature Conservancy Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by science-based solutions, The Nature Conservancy protects lands and waters across multiple continents, addressing critical environmental challenges through conservation and policy advocacy.

Leadership Roles at The Nature Conservancy

  • Chief Executive Officer - Bonnie Monteleone
  • Chief Financial Officer - Wesley Isanda
  • Chief Operating Officer - Brea Jones
  • Chief Operating Officer & Director, Risk, Portfolio Strategy & Operations - Seth Brotman
  • Executive Coordinator To the Chief Operating Officer - Lydia O'Connor
  • Chief Technology Officer - Matthew Merrifield
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Shan Liang
  • Chief of Staff - Monica Ward
  • Chief of Staff & Director, Portfolio Management - Matthew Jackson
  • Chief People Officer - Michael Tetreault
  • Bonnie Monteleone - Chief Executive Officer

    Bonnie Monteleone, the Chief Executive Officer at The Nature Conservancy, directs the organization's global conservation strategy and operational execution. Monteleone guides the implementation of science-based solutions aimed at protecting vital lands and waters across numerous continents. This leadership role involves fostering international partnerships and ensuring alignment with the core mission of environmental preservation. Overseeing all major initiatives, Monteleone drives efforts in climate action, water conservation, and sustainable resource management. The Chief Executive Officer ensures the organization's impact is maximized through effective resource allocation and strategic planning. By championing innovative approaches, Bonnie Monteleone secures the long-term viability of critical ecosystems and promotes a balance between human needs and environmental health.
    Bonnie Monteleone

    Wesley Isanda - Chief Financial Officer

    Wesley Isanda, the Chief Financial Officer at The Nature Conservancy, directs the organization's financial strategy, planning, and management to ensure fiscal sustainability and support global conservation objectives. Isanda oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, and investment management, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to protect lands and waters. This leadership position is critical for maintaining the integrity of the organization's financial health and supporting its extensive network across multiple continents. The Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with financial regulations and develops strategies to maximize funding for environmental initiatives, including climate action and species protection. By providing robust financial oversight, Wesley Isanda enables The Nature Conservancy to pursue its mission with confidence and achieve its long-term goals. Isanda's stewardship ensures the organization's capacity to operate effectively in over 70 countries.

    Brea Jones - Chief Operating Officer

    Brea Jones, the Chief Operating Officer at The Nature Conservancy, directs the organization's day-to-day operations and ensures the efficient execution of conservation programs worldwide. Jones oversees the strategic deployment of resources, optimizing operational workflows to support land and water preservation initiatives across North America, South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. This critical role involves managing cross-functional teams and fostering collaboration to achieve ambitious environmental goals. The Chief Operating Officer ensures that all operational activities align with the organization's science-based approach and commitment to sustainability. By streamlining processes and enhancing organizational effectiveness, Brea Jones directly contributes to the successful implementation of projects focused on climate action and habitat restoration. Jones's leadership ensures the smooth functioning of a global network dedicated to environmental protection.
    Brea Jones

    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, spearheads the strategic management of the organization's global portfolio and operational risk frameworks. Brotman directs initiatives focused on optimizing conservation project execution and ensuring robust risk mitigation across all operational areas. This multifaceted role involves developing sophisticated portfolio strategies that align with the core mission of protecting lands and waters worldwide. The Chief Operating Officer & Director, Risk, Portfolio Strategy & Operations ensures that operational efficiency is maintained while safeguarding against potential risks. By integrating strategic planning with rigorous operational oversight, Seth Brotman enhances the effectiveness and resilience of The Nature Conservancy's conservation efforts. Brotman's leadership is vital for navigating complex global challenges and ensuring sustainable impact.

    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, provides essential administrative and operational support to the Chief Operating Officer, facilitating the smooth execution of daily activities. O'Connor manages schedules, coordinates meetings, and handles critical communications to ensure operational efficiency across the organization's global conservation efforts. This role is integral to supporting the strategic implementation of projects focused on protecting lands and waters. The Executive Coordinator To the Chief Operating Officer assists in streamlining workflows and ensuring that key operational tasks are managed effectively. By providing dedicated support, Lydia O'Connor contributes to the overall effectiveness of The Nature Conservancy's mission to address environmental challenges. O'Connor's role ensures seamless coordination within the operational leadership team.

    Matthew Merrifield - Chief Technology Officer

    Matthew Merrifield, the Chief Technology Officer at The Nature Conservancy, architects and oversees the organization's technological infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives. Merrifield drives the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance conservation efforts, data analysis, and operational efficiency across its global operations. This leadership position involves developing strategies for secure data management, scalable IT systems, and innovative digital tools that support land and water preservation projects. The Chief Technology Officer ensures that technological advancements directly contribute to addressing critical environmental challenges, including climate action and species protection. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Matthew Merrifield empowers teams worldwide to implement conservation strategies more effectively and expand the organization's reach. Merrifield's focus is on building resilient systems that support The Nature Conservancy's mission in over 70 countries.

    Shan Liang - Chief Marketing Officer

    Shan Liang, the Chief Marketing Officer at The Nature Conservancy, develops and executes comprehensive marketing and communications strategies to advance the organization's global conservation mission. Liang oversees brand management, public relations, and digital outreach, aiming to increase awareness and support for environmental protection efforts. This leadership role involves crafting compelling narratives that highlight the impact of science-based solutions in preserving lands and waters. The Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging across all platforms, engaging diverse audiences and stakeholders in conservation initiatives. By driving strategic marketing campaigns, Shan Liang amplifies the organization's voice in advocating for climate action and sustainable resource management. Liang's expertise is crucial in mobilizing public support and fostering a deeper understanding of the urgent need for environmental preservation worldwide.

    Monica Ward - Chief of Staff

    Monica Ward, the Chief of Staff at The Nature Conservancy, provides strategic support and operational coordination to executive leadership, ensuring alignment across key initiatives. Ward manages critical projects, facilitates communication between departments, and drives the execution of strategic priorities related to global conservation efforts. This role involves streamlining operations and enhancing organizational effectiveness to support the protection of lands and waters. The Chief of Staff acts as a key liaison, ensuring that the organization's mission of addressing environmental challenges through science-based solutions is advanced efficiently. By optimizing workflows and driving key projects, Monica Ward directly contributes to the successful implementation of conservation programs worldwide. Ward's focus is on enhancing the impact of The Nature Conservancy's work across its extensive international network.

    Matthew Jackson - Chief of Staff & Director, Portfolio Management

    Matthew Jackson, the Chief of Staff & Director, Portfolio Management at The Nature Conservancy, drives strategic alignment and oversees the management of the organization's diverse conservation portfolio. Jackson coordinates key initiatives and ensures that portfolio strategies effectively support the global mission of protecting lands and waters. This role involves enhancing operational efficiency and facilitating communication across various departments to achieve conservation objectives. The Chief of Staff & Director, Portfolio Management provides critical support to executive leadership, ensuring that resources are strategically deployed to address pressing environmental challenges. By optimizing portfolio performance and driving project execution, Matthew Jackson directly contributes to the success of The Nature Conservancy's work in climate action and habitat preservation. Jackson's focus is on maximizing the impact of conservation investments worldwide.

    Michael Tetreault - Chief People Officer

    Michael Tetreault, the Chief People Officer at The Nature Conservancy, leads the human resources strategy and operations, focusing on cultivating a high-performing and mission-driven workforce. Tetreault oversees talent acquisition, development, and retention initiatives designed to support the organization's global conservation goals. This leadership role is crucial for building a culture that champions environmental protection and fosters innovation in preserving lands and waters. The Chief People Officer ensures that The Nature Conservancy attracts and retains top talent committed to addressing critical environmental challenges. By developing robust people strategies, Michael Tetreault enhances the organization's capacity to achieve its objectives in climate action and sustainable resource management. Tetreault's expertise is vital for empowering employees and fostering an inclusive environment across its international operations.
    Michael Tetreault

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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 Wesley Isanda (Chief Financial Officer) 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 Bonnie Monteleone (Chief Executive Officer), Wesley Isanda (Chief Financial Officer), 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, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Director, Risk, Portfolio Strategy & Operations, Executive Coordinator To the Chief Operating Officer.