The Conservation Alliance (TCA) appointed Paul Hendricks as its new executive director. In this role, he will lead strategy and operations while executing TCA’s mission to “harness the collective power of business and outdoor communities to fund and advocate for protecting North America’s wild places.”
Hendricks has over 15 years of experience in leadership, conservation and corporate advocacy roles for academic, non-profit and corporate sectors.
“Paul is coming in at an important and exciting time for The Conservation Alliance,” said Annie Nyborg, head of environmental and social impact at Peak Designs and chair of the TCA Board of Directors. “We are looking at the future of conservation and where TCA fits into that space as an organization. We need a leader that can effectively lead us into a new era of impact. We’re confident that Paul can help shape the future of TCA and position it for greater success in the future.”
Hendricks joined TCA from Rivian, where he was the director of community sustainability. There, he helped launch the Rivian Foundation, “advancing solutions at the intersection of nature, climate and social equity.” He also built the brand’s community impact platform, “driving environmental impact companywide and launched Rivian’s sustainability advocacy efforts to advance key conservation efforts for the company.”
Before Rivian, Hendricks was an instructor in the University of Colorado’s Masters of the Environment Program and spent eight years leading Patagonia’s social and environmental impact initiatives, including its responsible business practices, advocacy efforts and philanthropic support.
“Paul has been a longtime champion of The Conservation Alliance. Most recently, while leading Rivian’s sustainability advocacy efforts, Paul was instrumental in bringing Rivian into The Conservation Alliance’s fold. His dedication to our mission led to an incredibly valuable partnership between Rivian and TCA on our Mobilizing for Monuments campaign and film. Without his support, key strategies to support priority campaigns would not have been possible. We could not be more excited to welcome Paul to the TCA team,” said Joe Craig, TCA Interim Executive Director.
“I can’t wait to work with the team at TCA to take the organization and our collective impact to new heights,” said Hendricks. “I’ve worked closely with the team over the past years and am so inspired by their passion and dedication. I’m honored that they trust me to lead the organization into its next chapter and work with the staff, board of directors, and members to create a conservation strategy that unites our voices to make the greatest impact for future generations.”
Hendricks earned his undergraduate degree in Business, Spanish, and Secondary Education from Hope College. He earned his MA in International Relations from the University of Chicago and a Graduate Certificate in Sustainability from Harvard. He will be based in Golden, CO.
Images courtesy TCA
