Kris Sarri
State Director, Massachusetts
Kris Sarri Kris Sarri, State Director for TNC in Massachusetts. © Kris Sarri
Areas of Expertise
Environmental advocacy, conservation, public service, stewardship
Biography
Kris Sarri is the new State Director for The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts beginning July 28, 2025. Kris grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in a family that instilled a commitment to public service. Her childhood love of the outdoors, especially the ocean, shaped her path toward environmental stewardship. Driven by a strong belief in engaging diverse stakeholders in policymaking and finding innovative solutions to environment and development challenges, she went on to earn two master's degrees from the University of Michigan: a Master of Science in natural resources and a Master of Public Health.
For the past three decades, Kris has carved out a career working where environmental policy meets public service. She's taken on senior roles across major federal agencies, most recently serving as USAID’s acting chief climate officer and senior advisor for climate and environment. Before that, she held leadership positions at the Department of the Interior, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Department of Commerce. She's also made her mark in the nonprofit world, leading ocean and Great Lakes conservation efforts as president and CEO of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. Her work consistently focuses on global climate policy, biodiversity protection and fostering resilient communities.
When she's not working, you'll likely find Kris underwater—she's an avid SCUBA diver—or exploring in nature. She and her husband share their home with their rescue pets. They’re all looking forward to moving to Boston for their next adventure together.
In The Media
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The rising seas won’t pause while we race to protect ourselves
A Letter to the Editor by Sarri was published in response to a series of Boston Globe articles on coastal flooding in Massachusetts. Read the letter
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Healey-Driscoll Administration Releases Strategy for Coastal Protection
Sarri quoted in the release of the final ResilientCoasts Plan—a statewide strategy to help coastal communities protect residents, strengthen infrastructure and safeguard our natural resources. Read the press release
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Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches Plan to Protect Nature and Wildlife
Sharing TNC polling results in support of habitat protection and pollution reduction. Read the press release
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TNC appoints Kristen Sarri as its new Mass. State Director
Kris Sarri brings more than 30 years of deep knowledge about environmental nonprofit work and government leadership to the role. Read more
Keep Reading
On the River to Recovery
At one point, the Mill River was declared "dead." In 2018, alewife ran the river again for the first time in two centuries and have increased in numbers since.
Policy Priorities in Massachusetts
Policy is an essential tool to protect the lands, waters and people of Massachusetts. Our policy team advances initiatives that are equitable, nonpartisan, ambitious and grounded in science.
Experimental Solutions to Reduce Nitrogen Pollution on Cape Cod
Too much nitrogen in our waterways threatens our drinking water, economy, recreation opportunities and human health. New pilot programs are working with nature to change that.