Chuck Peoples
Executive Director, North Carolina
Durham, NC
Chuck Peoples Executive Director, TNC's North Carolina chapter © TNC
Areas of Expertise
Conservation Partnerships, Natural Resources Management, Science, Nonprofit Management
Biography
Chuck Peoples leads a passionate team of scientists, conservation experts, and operations staff in protecting and restoring critical landscapes across the state of North Carolina. As Executive Director, he spearheads chapter strategy, fosters strong partnerships, and provides policy leadership.
Chuck assumed the role of Executive Director in April 2026, after nearly two decades with the North Carolina chapter. Peoples joined TNC’s North Carolina chapter in 2007 as Director of Northeast Programs, then as Director of Conservation Programs from 2015-2023, before becoming Deputy State Director. Prior to TNC, Chuck served as Executive Director of the Tar River Land Conservancy.
Among People's many accomplishments are leading the expansion of peatland restoration work in the state to more than 100,000 acres, improving river flows, benefiting 137 miles of the Roanoke River, and leading a focused land protection program conserving over 50,500 acres in North Carolina.
Chuck earned a master’s degree in wildlife biology from Auburn University and a bachelor’s degree in fisheries and wildlife science from North Carolina State University. A native of North Carolina, Chuck now lives in Durham and enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, paddling, and swimming.