Andrea Erickson Quiroz

About Andrea Erickson Quiroz

Andrea Erickson-Quiroz is a global conservation leader with more than two decades of experience driving impactful, multi-scale strategies to protect nature and support human well-being. As Global Managing Director for the Provide Food and Water Sustainably Priority at The Nature Conservancy, Andrea oversees global programs in water security and food systems, guiding teams through complex challenges to deliver tangible, lasting results for nature, people and climate.Her leadership has catalyzed transformational initiatives—from scaling Water Funds across multiple continents to negotiating one of the largest land protection deals in TNC’s history in Mexico. Andrea has also played a key role in pioneering global strategies such as Energy by Design, working with governments, corporations, and local communities alike. In her current role she will provide leadership to teams working to deliver conservation results by mainstreaming solutions in fisheries, water management and agriculture.She is known for her ability to lead through change, foster collaborative cultures, and bridge conservation science with practical implementation. Fluent in English and Spanish, Andrea holds a Master of Philosophy in Environment and Development from Cambridge University and a B.S. from Cornell University.Her work has included strategic identification of conservation opportunities; collaborative planning and project development in a wide variety of institutional arrangements; government and partner relationship management; fundraising and financial sustainability; board development and engagement; practitioners training and capacity development; management of conservation operations in cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary multi-locational settings.Specialties: executive leadership, strategy development, philanthropy, external affairs and public policy, board management, team development and culture builder, impactful communications, fluent Spanish speaker strategic program development, technical support, coaching

Experience

1. Global Managing Director, Sustainable Food and Water Systems

   The Nature Conservancy

   Feb 2026 — Present

   TNC’s work on food, freshwater, and fisheries is positioned to be a leading catalyst for scaling solutions that address the intertwined crisis of biodiversity loss and climate change while boldly fostering positive economic growth, well-being and livelihoods. This work focuses on building regenerative food systems, scaling nature-based solutions for resilient freshwater systems, and supporting commercial, government and community partners in managing fisheries. The Global Managing Director, Sustainable Food & Water Systems provides leadership across these strategies, helping advance TNC’s mission to conserve the lands and water on which all life depends, and achieve the organization’s 2030 goals for nature, people and climate. In this role, I will be seeking radical collaboration with industry leaders, government actors entrusted with meeting development goals, experts in the production sector, and civil society members who foster strong collective action approaches.

Education

• Cambridge University

  Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Environmental Policy and Economic Development

  1993 — 1994

• Cornell University

  B.S, Industrial and Labor Relations

  1983 — 1988

Skills

• Program Development
• Philanthropy
• Strategic Planning
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Research
• Public Policy
• Public Speaking
• Fundraising
• Policy
• Conservation Issues
• Environmental Policy
• Board of Directors
• Spanish
• Executive Management
• Grants