Alex joined the Foundation in January of 2019 and brings experience in the agricultural sector, philanthropy, conservation and government. He advises the evolution and implementation of the Agriculture Program in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, especially in Lancaster and Delmarva, and focuses on improving water quality by creating common ground between diverse stakeholders such as grantees, business interests, farmers, decision-makers and the community at large.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Alex ran an independent business to help advance conservation outcomes, particularly in water quality and biodiversity. He also built a company, Ecosystem Services Exchange, that improves farm profitability and water quality. Previously Alex ran the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, worked as the government affairs director of the recycling trade association and worked for the U.S. Senate for 12 years. While working for the Senate, Alex was the principal staff lead in developing the Conservation Title of the Farm Bill and rewrote the bilateral and multilateral foreign assistance programs to place an emphasis on conservation as a priority for action.

Alex grew up on The New Farm (1780) in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Living there and in Latin America, he witnessed how conservation and economic opportunity go hand in hand. Alex’s undergraduate degree is in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in environmental science. He has a Master of Planning from Texas A&M University.

Alex travels extensively and is an avid boater, fisherman and hunter. He engages with the environment not as an armchair observer, but as a contact sport.