A known leader in corporate sustainability and advocacy, Paul Hendricks is tapped to lead The Conservation Alliance
July 18, 2024 – The Conservation Alliance (TCA) welcomes Paul Hendricks as its new Executive Director. Hendricks will work as the organization’s strategic and operational leader, ensuring organizational growth and the execution of TCA’s mission - harnessing the collective power of business and outdoor communities to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s wild places.
Hendricks brings more than 15 years of experience in leadership, conservation, and corporate advocacy to the organization. He has driven efforts to advance action, standards, and innovation in the 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 joins TCA from Rivian, where he was the Director of Community Sustainability. At Rivian 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 company wide; and launched Rivian’s sustainability advocacy efforts to advance key conservation efforts for the company. Before Rivian, Paul 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, during his time 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.” - 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.”
Paul earned his undergraduate degree in Business, Spanish, and Secondary Education from Hope College then went on to earn a MA in International Relations from the University of Chicago, and a Graduate Certificate in Sustainability from Harvard. Paul will be leading TCA from his home in Golden, Colorado. When he’s not out saving the world, he can be found trail running in the front range or ski touring with one of his kiddos in tow.
To learn more about The Conservation Alliance, visit www.conservationalliance.com.
About The Conservation Alliance
The Conservation Alliance is a coalition of over 270 like-minded member companies who pool resources to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s cherished wild places and outdoor spaces. Through the collective power of their membership - companies from a range of industries from outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy - they take bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, they’ve awarded over $32.6 million in grants and helped protect over 96 million acres and 4,570 river miles, remove or halt 38 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas and designate five marine reserves.
