The Wilderness Society names Abby Tinsley senior VP of conservation programs
Abby Tinsley, senior vice president of conservation programs at TWS
Seasoned conservationist to oversee strategy as organization mounts defense of America's public lands
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 13, 2026) — The Wilderness Society has tapped Abby Tinsley as senior vice president of conservation programs. In this role, Tinsley will serve as a key member of the executive team, overseeing the organization's conservation and communications programs and the TWS Action Fund to drive an integrated strategy for protecting America's wild places.
“The Wilderness Society is working hard to protect America's public lands on every front—in the courts, in Congress, in communities that depend on these places—and we need a leader who can integrate and elevate all of these strengths in advancing our mission. Abby is that leader. I'm thrilled to welcome her to TWS," said TWS President Tracy Stone-Manning.
Tinsley comes to The Wilderness Society from the National Wildlife Federation, where she most recently served as vice president for conservation policy, leading the organization's federal and state conservation and climate policy priorities, government affairs and legal advocacy teams.
Prior to her work at NWF, Tinsley spent nearly a decade in Congress as a senior advisor on energy and environmental issues for former U.S. Senator Bill Nelson of Florida, where she advanced landmark Everglades restoration efforts, coastal resilience initiatives and natural climate solutions. She also served on the staff of former U.S. Representative Rick Nolan of Minnesota, specializing in forestry, water policy and the Farm Bill.
Tinsley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Studies and Political Science from Duke University and a Master of Professional Studies in Legislative Affairs from The George Washington University's School of Political Management.
About The Wilderness Society
The Wilderness Society is a leading conservation organization dedicated to protecting America's wild places for future generations. Founded in 1935, our mission is to unite people to protect America's natural landscapes, ensuring they remain vital, resilient, and accessible. Through science, advocacy, and community engagement, The Wilderness Society champions the preservation of wilderness areas, national parks, forests, and other public lands. For more information, visit www.wilderness.org.
Contact: newsmedia@tws.org / mgreenberg@tws.org
