Dr. Frogard Ryan

“My personal experiences in nature make me feel even more inspired and motivated to pursue work in conservation,” Frogard says. “When spotting a peregrine falcon while out on a walk, I’m reminded that these efforts are for animals like them. When I take in our glistening Long Island Sound, I’m compelled to protect the water and the marine life depending on it. When I visit my niece and nephew in Germany, I want them to see a huge variety of trees, insects and plants as they grow up.”

Frogard began her career as a veterinarian and served animals at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs as Director of Education and Volunteer Services. She has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine in Hannover, Germany, and an MBS from the University of Colorado. Being involved in species protection and habitat needs while at the zoo, she felt drawn toward protecting nature in its entirety.

Today Frogard’s efforts begin locally, but expand beyond state borders and even across the world. Noting that nature knows no geographical boundaries, Frogard views every challenge from a global perspective and connects the chapter’s work to others near and far. 

Here in Connecticut and around the world, she works tirelessly toward TNC’s ambitious 2030 conservation goals, and oversees Connecticut’s conservation, policy, fundraising, marketing and operations teams, collaboratively setting strategic direction.

Under her leadership, TNC in Connecticut secured a conservation easement for the largest coastal forest between New York City and Boston, and shepherded the transformative Blue Plan for Long Island Sound through the state legislature. As TNC endeavors to reconnect rivers across the world, Frogard ensures that starts locally, with CT’s team reopening hundreds of miles of fish migration routes. Meanwhile, the chapter is known for developing a community resilience building process used throughout the country. And upon arriving at the chapter, she helped colleagues develop an urban conservation program, which served as a model for others. Frogard also prioritizes the human need to connect with nature—leading to CT’s first all-terrain wheelchair. Much was made possible by a monumental $40 million fundraising campaign she oversaw in the early 2020s.

Frogard is sought out for her expertise in volunteer leadership and trustee recruitment, and is a strong believer in talent development, helping to lead staff workshops across TNC. Among the many recognitions of her work was her selection for TNC’s Executive Leadership training at Cambridge University, UK. A 2009 special assignment also brought her to Arusha, Tanzania.

Frogard now lives in New Haven with her spouse, parrot, cat, chickens and Ella, her Greater Swiss Mountain dog. She is a dedicated aunt, and enjoys traveling, being outdoors, reading and cooking.