Noah Matson currently serves as the Chief Climate and Conservation Officer. In this role he oversees the organization’s overall conservation strategy for large landscapes, urban green space, and iconic special places.
Noah also works with a seasoned team of technical experts to ensure that our natural resources are preserved for future generations through climate mitigation and decarbonization.
Prior to joining The Trustees, Noah spent ten years at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, most recently as the Deputy Assistant Director for Migratory Birds.
He previously served in executive roles with the national conservation nonprofit community. From shaping landmark climate and wildlife policies to overseeing $170 million budgets and pioneering innovations in wildlife conservation and habitat protection, he has repeatedly driven impact at scale. A trusted advisor to senior officials and legislators, Noah has testified on climate change, developed legislation responsible for climate adaptation strategies and investments in wildlife and climate science, and launched precedent-setting regulations that harmonize renewable energy growth with species conservation. With a rare blend of visionary thinking, operational excellence, and coalition-building savvy, he is one of the country’s foremost leaders in nature conservation and climate adaptation.
Prior to serving at the USFWS, Noah worked for Defenders of Wildlife from 1999 to 2015 in various positions focused on landscape conservation, climate adaptation and climate change. He received his bachelor’s degree in biology-geology from the University of Rochester, and his Master of Environmental Management degree from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.
