Our People

Daniel Stellar

State Director, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona

Daniel Stellar headshot.

Daniel Stellar Dan Stellar is state director for the Arizona Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC). © 2022 Mark Skalny / Mark Skalny Photography

Areas of Expertise

Conservation, nonprofit management, international policy

Media Contact

Heather Beshears
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Scheduling

Kristi Smith
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Biography

Dan Stellar is state director for the Arizona Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a role he has held since 2020. In this capacity, he provides overall management and leadership for TNC’s conservation work across the state. He previously served as deputy state director for TNC in Arizona since 2016. Stellar is a recognized conservation leader in Arizona. He has spoken at a number of high-profile events, and his writing has been featured in multiple statewide publications including Arizona Central and the Arizona Capitol Times. In 2021 he was recognized for his leadership by the Social TV Network as an “Arizona Achiever,” and in 2022 he was selected by the Capitol Times as a statewide “Environmental Leader of the Year.” He currently sits on the City of Phoenix General Obligation Bond Committee and is executive sponsor of the Young and Emerging Professionals group at The Nature Conservancy.

Stellar has spent his career in the nonprofit conservation sector, working across North America and globally. He previously served in positions with the Center for ReSource Conservation and The Earth Institute at Columbia University, where he oversaw international water policy and conservation work. There, he spent time in India, Brazil and Mali and greatly deepened his appreciation for the role the environment plays in people’s lives and livelihoods. His passion for conservation started in the mountains of northern New England as a child and was solidified when he lived in Alaska.

Stellar holds a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts and a master of international affairs from Columbia University, has completed two certificates in leadership and is a certified Project Management Professional. 

He is a committed community volunteer and an avid endurance athlete. He has completed more than 25 marathons, half marathons and long-distance bike rides and in the process raised more than $20,000 for charity. He and his wife are the proud parents of a very energetic and enthusiastic six year old who knows lots of facts about space.

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The Healing Force of Nature (3:38) Celebrate conservation successes as Dan walks you through some of the highlights of the incredible work done by the Arizona chapter.