Heather Zichal

Managing Director,
The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

Heather is the Managing Director of corporate engagement for the Nature Conservancy (TNC), overseeing corporate practices and sustainability efforts. She brings to this position deep expertise in environmental and climate policy, a passion for conservation, and an international reputation for forging stakeholder relationships that lead to positive change.

In 2009, Heather joined President Barack Obama in the White House as his lead advisor on energy and climate issues after serving as environmental policy lead during his successful 2008 campaign. In her role as the Deputy Assistant to the President for energy and climate change, she was instrumental in the design and execution of the Climate Action Plan and a champion of smart, pragmatic climate policy. From negotiating the country’s first-ever mercury standard to the historic fuel economy standards, Heather was able to break the mold by bringing industry to the table and advancing policies with broad stakeholder buy-in from states, businesses, environmental groups and more. She also has extensive experience on Capitol Hill, including working as former Massachusetts Democratic Sen. John Kerry's legislative director and for two Members in the House of Representatives, including Rep. Frank Pallone Jr.

Prior to joining TNC, Heather served as the President of her DC-based consulting firm, focused on building out corporate sustainability programs for Fortune 500 companies and providing strategic advice to environmental NGO's. She serves as the chair of Airbnb Inc.'s sustainability council and is on the Board of Directors of Cheniere Energy, as well as several non-profit boards and advisory councils.