The Nature Conservancy in North Carolina Announces Executive Director
Executive Director Chuck Peoples brings over two decades of conservation leadership and public service experience in North Carolina
Media Contacts
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Margaret Southern
Director of Marketing and Communications in North Carolina
The Nature Conservancy
Phone: 919-874-5685
Email: margaret.southern@tnc.org
Durham, N.C.—Chuck Peoples, a conservation leader and public servant in North Carolina, has been named executive director for The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in North Carolina. Peoples brings over two decades of experience with TNC and local land conservation organizations.
Prior to the executive director role, he served as TNC North Carolina’s deputy state director leading a statewide conservation agenda and overseeing a multidisciplinary team of more than 30 professionals across five offices—Durham, Asheville, Southern Pines, Wilmington and Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve. Prior to TNC, Chuck served as executive director of the Tar River Land Conservancy.
“Nearly 19 years ago, I began my career with TNC, drawn by a mission and set of values that closely mirror my own,” says Peoples. “North Carolina has always been home to me, and leadership of our conservation efforts here is both a professional honor and personal call to action.”
In his new role, Peoples will work closely with landowners, non-governmental organization partners, natural resource agencies, policymakers and the Board of Trustees to advance TNC’s mission in North Carolina at a pivotal time for climate and nature.
“The TNC North Carolina Board of Trustees is thrilled to welcome Chuck into this new role,” said D.R. Bryan, Board Chair. “We’ve seen the incredible impact Chuck’s leadership has had on conservation outcomes across the state, and we know he will excel in this position.”
Among Peoples’ many accomplishments are leading the expansion of peatland restoration to more than 100,000 acres, improving river flows benefitting 137 miles of the Roanoke River and leading a focused land protection program conserving over 50,500 acres in North Carolina.
“During his many years with TNC, Chuck has demonstrated a natural talent for leading teams and inspiring partners to achieve meaningful conservation goals together," said Temperince Morgan, TNC’s southern U.S. division director. “We are thrilled for him to now evolve as North Carolina’s executive director so he can build upon this work and continue to expand TNC’s impact in North Carolina and across the South.”
In his new role, Peoples will guide a team of more than 50 staff and work closely with a dedicated board of trustees to advance highimpact, science and community-based conservation across the state.
“I am deeply proud of the North Carolina team and the comprehensive conservation program we continue to build together,” Peoples said.
“Looking ahead, I am motivated by the opportunity to lead the chapter through complexity—aligning people, resources, and partnerships to deliver outcomes that are impactful and enduring.”
Peoples earned a master’s degree in wildlife biology from Auburn University and a bachelor’s degree in fisheries and wildlife science from North Carolina State University. His public service experience includes serving on the Roanoke River Bi-State Commission from 2008-2012 and being elected to the Town of Halifax Board of Commissioners from 2003-2015.
Peoples is a native North Carolinian, having grown up with forests of the Roanoke River as his backyard. Peoples lives in Durham and enjoys spending time rambling outdoors, including hiking and paddling, and is an avid outdoor photographer.
About The Nature Conservancy in North Carolina
Established in North Carolina in 1977, The Nature Conservancy has protected 745,000 acres, stewarding some of our state’s most iconic natural outdoor places, from Grandfather Mountain to Jockey’s Ridge. Supported by over 25,000 members statewide, we work collaboratively with local, state, and federal government, with private landowners, and other nonprofits to protect and restore North Carolina’s forests, rivers, and streams. Follow us on LinkedIn or visit our website at nature.org/NC.
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 83 countries and territories (39 by direct conservation impact and 44 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.