Michelle Carr

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Illinois

Michelle Carr steps into the role of state director for The Nature Conservancy in Illinois. © Cristina Rutter

State Director

Brief Biography

Michelle Carr understands the business of nature.

“You don’t have to be a scientist to know there is a growing demand for water, food and energy on this planet,” she said. “The global threats to the Earth’s natural systems lead me to make my life’s work about finding sustainable solutions to these challenges.”

As The Nature Conservancy in Illinois’ state director, Carr will have that opportunity.

Michelle Carr, Chicago resident and former Goldman & Sachs Co. vice president, was recently named the chapter’s state director after an intensive search spearheaded by Conservancy staff and trustees. Carr’s lengthy business and leadership experience in the investment management division at Chicago Goldman & Sachs Co. landed her the top spot.

During her 16-year tenure at the firm, Carr’s clients included entrepreneurs, chief executives, families, foundations and endowments. She was consistently a top performer in contributions.

In addition to her professional expertise, Carr has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to civic leadership. She currently serves on the board of directors for the National Museum of Health and Medicine Chicago and is a member of the Chicago Foundation for Women and Chicago Finance Exchange. Additionally, she has held various board positions on behalf of Links Hall, a performing arts non-profit, and led the group through a financial reorganization and leadership development program, including the appointment of a new executive director.

“The state director role is particularly appealing to me,” Carr said. “I spent much of my childhood exploring trails, ponds and streams, which led to my affinity for nature. I know the self-reliance, wonder, peace and humbleness a connection with nature can provide, and I look forward to supporting The Nature Conservancy in providing this for people in Illinois and throughout the world.”

Carr graduated magna cum laude from St. Louis University and holds a Master’s degree in business administration from Vanderbilt University. She resides in Chicago with her husband (Dane) and three children, Clyde (12), Vaughn (10) and Hyla (7).