Media Contacts
-
Tony Jupp
Associate Director of Communications
Email: tjupp@tnc.org
Former Obama administration Interior Secretary Sally Jewell appointed Interim CEO of the world’s largest conservation organisation
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has named former U.S. Secretary of the Interior, former CEO of REI and current TNC non-executive director Sally Jewell as Interim CEO, effective September 3, 2019. Ms Jewell will lead the organisation while an extensive global search is conducted for a new permanent CEO.
“The Nature Conservancy is unique in its global reach, effective through its vast network of local chapters, dedicated trustees and on-the-ground relationships, and creative in its engagement with the business and global finance communities,” said Ms Jewell. “Our strength has always been in our people, and we recognise this comes with great responsibility to provide a supportive, open and inclusive work environment so everyone can thrive. I am humbled and pleased to step forward to support this important organisation through its transition to a new CEO.”
Sally Jewell takes over from Mark Tercek who joined The Nature Conservancy in 2008. Mark led the organisation through the Global Financial Crisis of that year, successfully implementing an ambitious plan to strengthen TNC’s financial discipline as well as its strategic focus. During Tercek’s tenure, the organisation aligned around an ambitious global conservation agenda, introduced innovative new approaches to conservation finance, expanded into new geographies, launched a cities program, developed new science collaborations, and significantly elevated and expanded its work to address climate change.
Sally Jewell
Sally Jewell was U.S. Secretary of the Interior from 2013 to 2017. During her tenure, Jewell was recognised for using a science-based, landscape-level, collaborative approach to natural resources management. Her work included championing the importance of science and sharing data to better understand the Earth’s systems, encouraging investments for more sustainable use of water, deepening relationships with indigenous communities and long-term conservation of America’s most vulnerable and irreplaceable natural, cultural and historic treasures. She demonstrated a commitment to connecting people to nature, particularly youth, with efforts to encourage tens of millions of young people to play, learn, serve and work on public lands.
Ms Jewell was previously President and CEO of REI, a $2.6 billion retailer dedicated to facilitating outdoor adventures. Earlier in her career, she served for 19 years in commercial banking across a wide range of industries and began her career as an engineer in the energy sector. She has been active in governance and board leadership for corporations and non-profit organisations, including serving as a Regent of the University of Washington where she is currently a Distinguished Fellow in the College of the Environment.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organisation dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we focus on getting things done efficiently and with the greatest positive impact for conservation. We’re a trusted organisation working in more than 70 countries and territories around the world on innovative solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy in Australia, follow us on Facebook.