Nathan Henry Named Western Conservation Finance Director at Trust for Public Land
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Trust for Public Land is proud to announce the appointment of Nathan Henry as its new Western Conservation Finance Director, a key leadership role advancing public funding strategies for parks, land conservation, and climate resilience across the western United States.
Henry brings over 25 years of experience in research, coalition management, and strategic communications to Trust for Public Land, most recently serving at The Nature Conservancy, where he led the growth and development of U.S. Nature4Climate (USN4C), a national coalition promoting Natural Climate Solutions. Under his leadership, USN4C expanded from eight to thirty organizations and became a leading voice in connecting science, policy, and public outreach to accelerate nature-based climate solutions.
“Nathan’s unique blend of policy insight, public opinion expertise, and strategic coalition-building will be invaluable as we continue to grow state and local funding for parks and conservation throughout the West,” said Will Abberger, Vice President and Director of Conservation Finance at Trust for Public Land. “His deep experience working with diverse partners, including elected officials, scientists, and community stakeholders, makes him the ideal person to lead this work in a region where climate-smart conservation has never been more critical.”
As Western Conservation Finance Director, Henry will work primarily across Washington, Oregon, and California to develop and implement strategies that generate new and renewed sources of state and local funding for land conservation. He will lead community outreach efforts, collaborate with internal and external experts, and partner with local and state governments to advance ballot measures and legislative action that support conservation and climate goals.
Henry’s background also includes nearly two decades as a pollster and strategic advisor, helping shape winning public policy campaigns on issues ranging from background checks for gun purchases to clean air initiatives and infrastructure funding. His proven ability to translate public opinion into action will be a key asset as Trust for Public Land works with communities to build long-term funding solutions that protect nature and expand equitable access to the outdoors.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Trust for Public Land in this role,” said Henry. “I’ve long admired TPL’s ability to blend data-driven strategy with grassroots engagement to deliver lasting conservation outcomes. I look forward to working with communities across the West to secure the resources they need to protect land, strengthen climate resilience, and ensure everyone has access to the outdoors.”
Since 2024 election, 24 of 24 TPL supported ballot initiatives passed, generating over $17.4 billion in voter-approved public funding for parks, climate resilience projects, water quality, and wildlife and land conservation — including a just-passed measure in King County, Washington that will provide $1.45 billion for parks and open space.
Henry has a B.A. In Political Science and an M.S. in Environmental Conservation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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About Trust for Public Land
Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,504 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $110 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 9.7 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.
