The Nature Conservancy in Texas Announces New State Director

The Nature Conservancy in Texas (TNC) announced today that James McGuire, a proven leader with more than 20 years of experience in conservation, environmental policy, law, science and public service, will join the organization as its new state director.

As the Texas state director, McGuire will work closely with landowners, policymakers and the Texas Board of Trustees to advance TNC’s mission to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. He will lead a statewide team, manage the chapter’s conservation portfolio of more than 1 million protected acres and guide the strategic investments and partnerships needed to drive conservation forward in Texas.

“James brings a unique blend of scientific insight, policy expertise and on-the-ground leadership,” said Ben Postlethwait, TNC’s Great Plains Division director. “His decades of public service, work across Texas and ability to collaborate with agencies and communities will be tremendous assets as he leads our conservation efforts in the state.”

A former senior leader at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), McGuire has spent his career advocating for environmental policies that protect people and nature.

McGuire previously served as USEPA Region 6 regional counsel, overseeing environmental enforcement and legal strategy across Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico. He later served in Washington, D.C. as acting deputy general counsel, where he helped shape national strategy on water, air and climate issues.

Before joining the USEPA, McGuire led the City of Dallas’ first Office of Environmental Quality & Sustainability, where he helped establish community-centered initiatives that elevated and broadened the city’s environmental commitments.

“I’m honored to join TNC and the Texas Chapter as we work to protect our invaluable lands and waters with a commitment to practical, science-driven solutions,” said McGuire. “Texas has diverse landscapes and deeply committed stakeholders, and I’m excited to lead a dedicated and experienced team at TNC that will continue to translate that into victories for the environment and people. What TNC does in Texas has the potential to impact the world for the better.”

McGuire’s strong record of leading complex organizations and advancing conservation and environmental protection initiatives will serve him well as the Texas Chapter’s new state director.

Throughout his career, McGuire has earned deep respect across sectors for his thoughtful, collaborative leadership—consistently bringing together science, policy and stakeholder engagement to advance community-centered conservation solutions and align partners around shared environmental goals.

According to Texas Board Chair Ana Martin, James’ background in science, policy and community leadership makes him an excellent choice to advance TNC’s ambitious goals in Texas. “Given Texas’ size and global significance, we need a leader with a strong record of forging partnerships,” said Martin. “James’ expertise and enthusiasm will strengthen our efforts to drive practical conservation solutions and expand our influence throughout the state.”

McGuire obtained his M.S. in geological sciences from the University of Texas at Austin’s Jackson School of Geosciences and a J.D. from Emory University School of Law. He received his B.S. in earth and ocean sciences from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment. James will be based in Dallas, Texas as he assumes his leadership role at TNC.

In his free time, McGuire can often be found biking around White Rock Lake, camping or hiking with his wife, Star, and their children, Carter and Sage, and learning about Texas’ rich geological and cultural history.