Nature Forward Announces New Executive Director Alison Bidwell Pearce, PhD

Alison Bidwell Pearce, PhD

As Nature Forward continues its 127-year legacy of environmental stewardship and community engagement, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Alison Bidwell Pearce, PhD as our Executive Director, effective January 2025.

Pearce brings a wealth of experience in environmental education, conservation, and organizational leadership to her new role.

“We have no doubt that Alison will help us create a larger and more diverse community of people who treasure the natural world and work to preserve it.”

Nancy Voit
Nature Forward
Board President

“To truly address the threats of climate change and species extinction to both humans and wildlife, we must fully embrace the reality that nature needs all of us.

I’m excited for the opportunity to lead Nature Forward’s dedicated and talented staff as we seek to grow and diversify the community of people working toward a brighter future.”

Alison Bidwell Pearce, PhD
Incoming Executive Director
Nature Forward

Vision for Nature Forward

Pearce’s vision emphasizes inclusivity and broad community engagement. She aims to:

  • Expand Nature Forward’s reach and brand recognition in communities across the DC region, and deepen the organization’s impact in those communities
  • Create equitable, and joyful outdoor experiences for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities
  • Engage diverse stakeholders in environmental stewardship
  • Address pressing current ecological challenges, including climate change, embracing the reality that nature needs ALL of us
  • Strengthen Nature Forward’s position and reputation as a fiscally sound and high-functioning professional organization

Previous Roles and Accomplishments

Currently serving as the organization’s Deputy Director for Programs, Pearce’s previous roles with Nature Forward included Director of Restoration, Volunteer Manager, and Naturalist. Her accomplishments include:

  • Supervising the managers of five program departments across various educational initiatives with combined annual budgets of nearly $2 million
  • Building Nature Forward’s Restoration Department from the ground up
  • Leading a $4-million suite of capital projects to improve habitat, ecosystem services, and accessibility at Woodend Nature Sanctuary
  • Securing the organization’s largest-ever grant for collaborative urban tree planting
  • Fostering strong relationships with donors and foundations to resource all Nature Forward programs.
  • Forging external partnerships to expand and diversify the organization’s reach and deepen its impact
  • Playing key roles in strategic planning and organizational leadership
  • Creating public outreach programs on issues of ecological restoration
Alison Bidwell Pearce working on a tree planting project with Rock Creek Conservancy Teen Volunteers in 2017. Photo by Caroline Brewer

Top: Alison Bidwell Pearce with Rock Creek Conservancy Teen Volunteers working on a tree planting project in 2017. Photo by Caroline Brewer

Pearce working alongside restoration volunteers at Woodend Nature Sanctuary in 2020. Photo by Mitch Greene

Background/Qualifications

Bringing more than two decades of experience in conservation research, education, and practice to her new role, Pearce’s impressive qualifications include:

  • PhD in Ecological Anthropology from Stanford University
  • Completed prize-winning dissertation on the ecological and cultural factors driving the conversion of Montana ranchland to recreational real estate
  • Researched Indigenous forest management in Panama
  • Served as an agroforestry volunteer with the Peace Corps in El Salvador
  • Research and outreach concerning environmental justice issues and the coal industry in Appalachia and the Southwest.
  • Extensive experience in environmental education and conservation programs

Selection Process

Pearce’s appointment follows a rigorous five-month national search process led by Koya Partners Diversified Search Group. The search process engaged Nature Forward staff, Board members, and stakeholders to determine the qualities most desired in a potential Executive Director.

Koya’s marketing efforts led to contacts with more than 285 people across the environmental sector and drew 65 applicants.

After careful screening and multiple interviews, Pearce rose to the top. She was unanimously selected by the Board Search Committee and full Board of Directors, whose members voted to approve her selection on October 10, 2024.