Jennifer Morris
Meet Jennifer
NGO Leader
Washington, USA
Jennifer Morris is the CEO of The Nature Conservancy, the world’s largest environmental organization, active in over 70 countries. With more than 20 years of experience in conservation finance and nonprofit leadership, she champions bold, science-based solutions that protect nature and improve human well-being. Jennifer is a passionate advocate for local communities, biodiversity, and inclusive environmental action.
Areas of activity:
Conservation
About:
Jennifer Morris serves as Chief Executive Officer of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), leading the world’s largest conservation organization in its mission to protect the lands and waters on which all life depends. With operations in more than 70 countries and territories, TNC addresses the interconnected crises of climate change and biodiversity loss through collaborative, science-driven solutions.
Before joining TNC in 2020, Jennifer spent over two decades at Conservation International, where she held several senior leadership roles including President, COO, and Executive Vice President for Ecosystem Finance and Markets. Her work focused on harnessing financial innovation, corporate partnerships, and market-based tools to scale conservation outcomes.
Jennifer brings deep expertise in conservation finance, natural capital, and global development, with a Master’s in International Affairs from Columbia University and a BA in Political Science and English from Emory University. She is a leading voice in the environmental sector on the role of debt-for-nature swaps, high-integrity carbon markets, and community-led conservation.
Under her leadership, The Nature Conservancy has launched groundbreaking initiatives such as the Nature Bonds Program, which has unlocked hundreds of millions in conservation finance — including a recent $460M initiative in Ecuador and a $35M coral reef protection program in Indonesia. She also serves as Board Chair of Enduring Earth, a collaborative partnership accelerating long-term funding for conservation.
Jennifer is a vocal advocate for equity, inclusion, and science-based decision making, and is deeply committed to co-creating solutions with Indigenous peoples and local communities. Her leadership reflects a belief that when nature thrives, people thrive — and bold collaboration is key to achieving a more sustainable future for all.
Involvement:
The Nature Conservancy
Nature is our common ground.
We depend on nature every day to support our way of life. That’s why protecting it is common sense.