James McGuire
State Director, The Nature Conservancy in Texas
Dallas, Texas
Texas State Director James McGuire. © Courtesy of James McGuire
Areas of Expertise
Public policy, environmental law, leadership
Biography
James McGuire serves as The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Texas state director, bringing more than two decades of experience in environmental policy and leadership to one of the most ecologically diverse and significant programs in the world.
An avid outdoorsman with a deep appreciation for the biological and geological diversity of Texas, James spends his free time exploring—from Big Bend to the Gulf Coast and everywhere in between. Wherever he finds himself, James is a dedicated advocate for enjoying and preserving the natural heritage of the Lone Star State.
James joins TNC after a distinguished career in environmental law and policy, including a tenure at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where he managed some of the most challenging issues in Texas and Washington, D.C. He previously served as the director of Environment and Sustainability at Dallas City Hall. In Dallas, he was instrumental in crafting and securing the adoption of the city’s first Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan (CECAP), a landmark initiative lauded for its innovative and practical approach to urban sustainability.
In addition to his public service, James served as a partner at a major law firm and is currently Public Policy and Administration faculty at Southern Methodist University, where he teaches a graduate-level course on sustainability and public policy.
James’ approach is people-focused, respectful of communities, pragmatic, and grounded in sound policy and science. He holds undergraduate degrees from Duke University in earth and ocean sciences and English, a Master of Science in geosciences from the University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law with a focus on the environment and natural resources law.
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In the News
Explore the latest news, updates and commentary on all things Lone Star land and water from James McGuire.
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Nature Conservancy leader addresses Texas’ water challenges | OPINION
Amarillo Globe-News | Jun 15, 2026
Texas farmers and ranchers have long protected the resources we depend on, but drought and demand threaten that legacy. James McGuire highlights voluntary stewardship as a path to stronger water supplies, lower flood risk and healthy working lands. Explore the op-ed
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Meet James McGuire, the Dallasite named TNC's new Texas state director
Dallas Morning News | Apr 26, 2026
The longtime Dallas resident and former EPA leader will manage the chapter's conservation portfolio of more than 1 million protected acres. Read the Q&A
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The Nature Conservancy in Texas Announces New State Director
Nature.org | Mar 28, 2026
James McGuire, an environmental leader with more than two decades of experience in conservation, policy and public service, joins The Nature Conservancy as its Texas state director. See the announcement