Tom Nelson joined our staff in 2004 and for over a decade co-led the land protection work of the Conservancy, with a particular focus on conserving Leelanau’s family farms. After a nationwide search, he was promoted as the Conservancy’s Executive Director in 2015.
He spent his early childhood growing up in rural northern Ohio. The complete loss of the forests and family farms in his hometown resulting from poorly planned suburban sprawl and his passion for the lands and waters of Leelanau County drives his work at the Conservancy.
Tom acquired his law degree in 1987 and graduated magna cum laude with a Master of Laws in environmental law and policy from Vermont Law School in 2003. Learn more about Tom in this article which was published when the Board announced his appointment. Tom and his family live in Centerville Township.
