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Steve McCormick, former president and CEO, The Nature Conservancy "We’re a more global organization today than we were just seven years ago, and we have made a remarkable and profoundly important contribution to human well-being across the world." — Steve McCormick, former president and CEO, The Nature Conservancy Go Deeper Press Release on Steve McCormick Read the press release on Steve McCormick's departure as president and CEO of The Nature Conservancy. About the Conservancy Learn more about The Nature Conservancy, the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect lands and waters for nature and people. Governance at the Conservancy Find out about how the Conservancy prioritizes accountability and transparency in all its work. Where We Work See the Conservancy's great work in all 50 United States and in more than 30 countries worldwide — from Tanzania to Mongolia.

The Nature Conservancy salutes the accomplishments of its president and CEO Steve McCormick, who has announced he is stepping down as head of the organization.

Stephanie Meeks, currently chief operating officer (COO), will step in as interim president and CEO while a search is conducted for McCormick’s replacement.

Thirty Years of Service

McCormick served as president and CEO for six years, assuming the post in February of 2001. McCormick has worked for the Conservancy for 30 years. Before assuming the top leadership role, he served for more than 16 years as the director of the Conservancy in California, the organization’s largest domestic program.

Stephanie Meeks Steps In

Meeks, a 20-year veteran of non-profit management, steps in as acting president and CEO. Meeks was named COO in January 2007. In that post, she served as second-in-charge at the Conservancy, overseeing all the organization’s field and business operations in the United States and abroad.

Meeks has held other senior management positions at the Conservancy, including three years as chief administrative officer and eight years prior to that as vice president/managing director of marketing and philanthropy.

McCormick's Legacy

John Morgridge, chairman of the board of The Nature Conservancy, thanked McCormick for his leadership.

“Through his words and his actions, Steve reminded us that the protection of the planet’s biodiversity is not only our mission, but is a noble endeavor and an awesome responsibility worthy of our best efforts,” Morgridge said.

In an email to Conservancy staff, Morgridge added: “His relentless pursuit of excellence at the Conservancy and lifelong commitment to conservation has left an indelible mark on our organization and on the conservation of so many of the Earth’s special places. He inspired so many of us to think bigger and to embrace a conservation agenda that has the potential to change the world.”

During McCormick’s tenure, The Nature Conservancy reached $1 billion in annual revenue for the first time and undertook innovative global conservation strategies designed to conserve the natural systems that sustain life on Earth.

Under McCormick’s leadership, the organization also expanded its global reach by launching new programs in Africa, South America, Australia and Asia and by making substantial new investments in protecting the world’s oceans.

'Conserving Lands and Waters for People'

“It is with tremendous pride and bittersweet emotion that I reflect on nearly seven years as president of the Conservancy, and a total of 30 years fulfilling the mission of this organization,” said McCormick.

“We’re a more global organization today than we were just seven years ago, and we have made a remarkable and profoundly important contribution to human well-being across the world."

“But I've reached a personal and professional crossroads and concluded that my work at the Conservancy is done,” continued McCormick. “I look forward to seeing the next leader of this organization fulfill our vision of 21st century conservation: that our mission is not about protecting lands and waters from people, but conserving them for people. With so many talented and hardworking people working on behalf of that mission, I know there are no limits as to what this organization can achieve.”

McCormick will remain with the Conservancy for the next 12 months as an advisor to the organization’s board of directors.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Mark Godfrey/TNC (Steve McCormick).