The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

The Nature Conservancy in Georgia is pleased to announce Jeannie Wright as the new chair of their board of trustees. Wright’s involvement with the Conservancy began decades ago. “On the 25th anniversary of The Nature Conservancy, my brother showed me an article in Newsweek magazine about ‘the quiet organization that is saving the planet.’ He told our family that we needed to support this work, and I did.” Over the years, Wright became active with the Conservancy, which is now celebrating its 60th anniversary, attending field trips, helping plan fundraisers and providing financial guidance to the organization. She has served on the Georgia board of trustees since 2001.

Wright brings her professional experiences in finance as well as her love of travel and birding to this new leadership role. “The Nature Conservancy will always care about protecting Georgia’s forests, rivers and coast. Increasingly, our organization is looking across borders, and I find this global perspective very exciting.”

Outgoing Chairman Braye Boardman of Beacon Blue, LLC, said, "Jeannie’s demonstrated passion for the natural world is unparalleled, and I am proud to hand over the reins so she can accelerate the Conservancy’s efforts to care for Georgia’s wild places." Boardman will continue to serve as a member the board of trustees.

Wright’s connection with nature began as a child, hiking in the woods with her mother. Her lifelong commitment to conservation is evident through her many volunteer leadership positions. Notably, she serves as Treasurer of the Georgia Ornithological Society. She also recently volunteered as an ambassador for EARTH University in Costa Rica, an institution dedicated to education in sustainable development of agriculture and natural resources. She supports organizations close to home as well, including serving on the board of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

Wright, a graduate of Emory University with degree in economics, is retired from SunTrust Robinson Humphrey where she was an Executive Vice President responsible for the Personal Financial Planning department as well as Corporate Relations and Community Affairs. Along with her volunteer commitments, Wright continues to serve as an arbitrator for the securities industry. Previous chairs of The Nature Conservancy’s Board of Trustees in Georgia include Braye Boardman, H. Dwight Mathews, John Sherrill, Doug Cockrill, Pierre Howard and Tricia Allen. Currently, 24 leaders from across Georgia serve on the board of trustees.