The Nature Conservancy Names Stephanie Burkhart as Washington State Director

Burkhart recently served as deputy regional director for the National Park Service’s Pacific West Region, where she oversaw 65 park sites across eight Western states and Pacific territories. During her time with the National Park Service, Burkhart championed the establishment of new national parks that expanded equitable access to nature and more fully represented America's history by recognizing the significance, resilience and strength of communities. She also secured the acquisition of key landscapes to conserve wildlife corridors, protect open space from development and strengthen the resilience of natural systems.

“My most meaningful work centers on connecting people to nature in ways that inspire lifelong stewardship and on advancing co-stewardship models that honor and support Indigenous-led conservation,” Burkhart added.

Prior to her 15 years in senior leadership with the National Park Service, Burkhart spent a decade with the U.S. Coast Guard, where she led programs in public affairs, government relations and international engagement and helped develop ocean stewardship and marine life conservation initiatives. Earlier in her career, she worked in research and education with the Pacific Whale Foundation. Burkhart is a former U.S. Fulbright Scholar, holding graduate and undergraduate degrees in zoology and biology.

“Stephanie Burkhart brings exactly the kind of seasoned, partnership‑driven leadership we need to accelerate landscape‑scale conservation across Washington and the wider region,” said Mike Stevens, TNC’s Western U.S. and Canada Division director. “Her experience stewarding some of the West’s most iconic public lands—and her deep commitment to inclusive, community‑centered conservation—align perfectly with TNC’s vision for resilient lands, waters and communities. We are fortunate to welcome a leader who understands the scale of the challenges ahead and brings the heart, humility and collaborative spirit needed to meet them.”

Burkhart joins TNC at a time when Washington faces increasing climate‑intensified wildfire risk, water scarcity, declining salmon populations and pressures on frontline communities. For more than 65 years, TNC’s Washington chapter has played a transformative role in protecting and restoring forests, rivers, coastlines and lands. The chapter is focused on advancing science‑informed policy, partnering with Tribal Nations and supporting community‑centered climate strategies.

As Washington state director, Stephanie Burkhart will lead a team of more than 80 staff and work closely with a dedicated board of trustees to advance high‑impact, science‑ and community-based conservation across the state. She will also serve on the leadership team for TNC’s Western U.S. and Canada Division, contributing to multi-state initiatives focused on Indigenous-led conservation, major river restoration, salmon recovery, forest health, climate mitigation and renewable energy. She will bring Washington’s strengths to bear on some of the most significant conservation challenges across the West while bringing back practices and innovations to advance conservation in Washington.

“TNC Washington’s board of trustees is confident in Stephanie Burkhart’s ability to engage holistically across our region’s lands and waters, from Port Susan Bay in Puget Sound to the Columbia River Basin,” said Maia Bellon, TNC’s Washington board chair and former director of the state Department of Ecology. “We’re thrilled to welcome Stephanie as she guides TNC’s work toward resilient ecosystems and deepens our relationships with Tribal Nations and frontline communities.”

TNC conducted a rigorous and far-reaching national search to identify candidates for Washington state director, which drew significant interest. The final selection involved multiple rounds of interviews with organizational and board leaders. This collaborative and thorough process ensured that the chosen leader reflects the experience, vision and values essential for guiding TNC’s work in Washington.