Media Contacts
-
Rob Miller
The Nature Conservancy
Email: media@tnc.org
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) today named John Bernstein as Chair of its Global Board of Directors. John joined the board in 2020, served as Treasurer and Chair of both its Finance and Conservation Investment Committees, and was Chair of TNC’s Africa Council.
“John brings a deep understanding of how large-scale investment can help drive conservation outcomes around the world, while supporting communities and building economic resilience,” said TNC CEO Jennifer Morris. “As TNC continues to advance initiatives that have helped mobilize billions of dollars for nature and communities around the world, his experience using investment to advance conservation and economic goals will be invaluable.”
John’s term began at the October 2026 board meeting. John succeeds Senator William Frist, who served as chair since 2022. His appointment comes as TNC continues to expand innovative conservation finance solutions designed to address climate and biodiversity challenges at scale.
“It is an honor to serve as Chair of The Nature Conservancy’s Global Board," said Bernstein. “TNC’s ability to combine science, local expertise, policy and innovative nature finance solutions gives it an extraordinary capacity to deliver lasting results. I look forward to working with Jen, my fellow board members and colleagues across the organization. I also want to thank Bill Frist for his leadership of the board, his unwavering commitment to TNC’s values, and his family’s contributions to ensuring our solutions for a healthier planet also yield healthier people.”
“John has been a thoughtful and deeply committed leader on TNC’s Board, and I am delighted to see him take on this role,” Frist said. “His global perspective, sound judgment and understanding of how investment in nature can help unlock conservation at scale will serve TNC well. It has been a privilege to lead the Board, and I look forward to supporting John as he takes the helm.”
John is currently co-head of the long-term sustainable private equity business at Generation Investment Management, the sustainable investment firm that has played a pioneering role in the development of sustainable and environmental, social and governance investing since its founding in 2004.
From 2008 to 2017, John was head of General Atlantic (GA) in Europe, Middle East and Africa. He was also on the global investment committee and executive committee. Before joining GA, John served as a partner at Advent International, where he led the European telecom and technology investment practice.
John is on the boards of Howden Insurance, and the NamibRand and ProNamib Nature Reserves in Namibia and founded ProNamib as a new nature reserve in Namibia. John holds an MA in law from Downing College, Cambridge University, and qualified as a barrister.
Sally Jewell, who has served on the TNC board since 2018 and most recently as Treasurer, was selected to serve as Vice Chair effective October 2026.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more resilient. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 86 countries and territories (41 by direct conservation impact and 45 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. For more news, visit our newsroom or follow The Nature Conservancy on LinkedIn.