Our People

Jennifer Morris

Chief Executive Officer, The Nature Conservancy

Arlington, VA

Jennifer Morris headshot.

Jennifer Morris CEO of The Nature Conservancy. © TNC

Areas of Expertise

Global conservation leadership, Conservation finance, Econ. development, Enterprise entrepreneurship

Board Term

Effective May 18, 2020

Biography

Jennifer Morris is the Chief Executive Officer of The Nature Conservancy, leading a team of nearly 6,000 staff working in more than 80 countries and territories tackling the dual crises of the climate emergency and biodiversity loss. With more than 25 years of experience in conservation, her leadership is characterized by a track record of proven management, innovative approaches to unlocking finance for nature and an emphasis on science-based conservation centered on people and communities.

Prior to The Nature Conservancy, Jennifer held a series of leadership roles with Conservation International, where she notably led their work on impact finance, ultimately serving as both the COO and President in a time of exponential growth. She began her career teaching English in rural Namibia, then working in micro-finance at Women’s World Banking. 

Jennifer has been named to TIME’s inaugural Climate 100 list of leaders, Forbes’ 50 over 50 for Impact and Virginia Business' Virginia 500 Power List. She serves on a range of global councils including the Climate Advisory Board for Norges Bank Investment Management, Nestlé’s Creating Shared Value Advisory Council and The China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development. She also chairs the board of Enduring Earth, an ambitious collaboration that works with stewards of the environment to accelerate conservation worldwide. 

Jennifer earned her M.I.A. from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and her B.A. from Emory University. Based in Washington, D.C., with her family, Jennifer has a passion for storytelling, mentoring future leaders and spending time outdoors. 

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