The Nature Conservancy in Ohio Welcomes Brittney Colvin, New Director of Policy and Government Relations

DUBLIN, Ohio—The Nature Conservancy today announced that Brittney Colvin has joined the Ohio team as Director of Policy and Government Relations. Colvin comes to TNC with nearly 20 years of experience engaging stakeholders and developing policy initiatives. Most recently, Colvin served as the deputy director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, where she focused on energy policies and reclamation initiatives while building meaningful partnerships with elected officials, business leaders and non-profit organizations to ensure responsible management of the state’s natural resources.

“I am excited to join such a well-respected organization that approaches challenges with science-based solutions," said Brittney Colvin, incoming director of policy and government relations for The Nature Conservancy in Ohio. "The Nature Conservancy’s story and mission are compelling, and I am eager to highlight the important work happening on the ground and in our streams and wetlands with key decision makers in Ohio’s Statehouse and in Washington.”

Colvin was selected after an extensive search and will lead TNC’s work across the state to develop and influence conservation and public policy outcomes that help achieve TNC’s mission to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Specifically, she will advance TNC’s national and multi-state policy priorities related to waters, lands and climate change, identifying funding and policy opportunities for conservation while working with a diverse range of stakeholders to build support for the organization’s strategic conservation initiatives. Colvin’s previous experience in lobbying and natural resource management, as well as her passion for the outdoors and people, will serve her well in this role.

Colvin replaces Tracy Freeman, whose retirement comes after serving for seven years in this role with TNC and nearly 25 years in government relations. During Freeman’s tenure at TNC, she helped shape and deliver bold policy outcomes for conservation, including the initial concepts and funding for what would become the state’s H2Ohio program and increased annual appropriations for the federal Great Lake Restoration Initiative.

“Given our ambitious goals to conserve Ohio’s lands and waters while driving science-based action on climate change, we will only be successful with durable policies and programs that drive conservation results at a pace and scale that reflect the cultural, economic and intrinsic value of our natural areas,” said Bill Stanley, state director for The Nature Conservancy in Ohio. “Brittney offers a tremendous blend of talent, experience and passion to continue our strong track record of advancing important policies that achieve our conservation vision.”