Matt Brown
Managing Director of Global Conservation
BOULDER, COLORADO
Matt Brown Matt Brown headshot. © TNC
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Conservation science, Nature-based solutions, Sustainable development & finance
Biography
As Managing Director of Global Conservation at The Nature Conservancy, Matt Brown oversees conservation in 59 countries across five regions – Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, India, and Latin America. In this role, Matt advances execution of the organization’s goals by aligning and maximizing the effectiveness of regional teams and by fostering collaboration across boundaries and business units. His focus is on systems leadership, effective and efficient management, fundraising, and strategic partnerships. He serves on the TNC Global Conservation Team and Executive Leadership Team.
Prior to his current position, Matt worked with TNC Africa for 14 years, first as Director of Conservation and then as Regional Managing Director. He defined and oversaw all TNC Africa projects in priority places with local partners, and strategically leveraged the organization’s global resources to help scale up impact in the region, expand the program into new geographies, and deliver lasting conservation results.
As Africa Regional Managing Director, he led more than 100 staff members making significant and measurable impact in nine African countries, was responsible for a $30 million annual operating budget, and established and led the Africa Advisory Council.
Matt is a dedicated conservationist with nearly 30 years of experience, from the grassroots level to global-scope leadership. He has lived and worked on the ground in West and East Africa, including serving as Peace Corps forestry volunteer in northern Ghana and living in Tanzania for eight years. Over his career he has built strong and productive relationships across diverse stakeholders, from local communities to national governments to global corporations.
Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Science from Colby College, as well as a master’s degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in Water Resources Management from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University.