Lisa Kushner

About Lisa Kushner

Lisa Kushner works with the agricultural supply chain on sustainability and conservation challenges. I currently serve as the Regenerative Foodscapes Manager, working to increase regenerative agriculture practices across the Midwest for environmental, social and economic outcomes. Prior to this role, I split my time as a Senior Advisor on Corporate Engagement team and as Soil Health and Nutrient Strategy Manager for the North America Agriculture team at The Nature Conservancy. I engaged companies across the agricultural supply chain on water and soil health priorities, and advised and supported colleagues on developing corporate engagement strategies. I led the Conservancy\'s work on the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship to engage the agriculture industry on nutrient management for improved environmental, social and economic outcomes. Prior to joining the Conservancy, I worked in economic consulting. I have a B.A. in Economics and an M.S. in Environmental Sciences and Policy from the Johns Hopkins University. I spent my youth backpacking and climbing in the mountains of Western Virginia and college engaged in outdoor leadership and education activities. These experiences and my belief that nature should be conserved both for its own sake and for the resources that it provides to all life on earth led me to the intersection of conservation and business.

Experience

1. Foodscape Program Director

   The Nature Conservancy

   Sep 2025 — Present · Minneapolis, MN, US

   Lead landscape-scale regenerative agriculture initiatives in the Upper Midwest, including the Upper Mississippi Foodscape and the Minnesota Agriculture Resilience Initiative.

Education

• The Johns Hopkins University

  B.A., Economics

  2001 — 2005

• The Johns Hopkins University

  M.S., Environmental Sciences & Policy

  2008 — 2012

Skills

• Policy Analysis
• Qualitative Research
• Program Management
• Public Speaking
• Research
• Strategic Planning
• Philanthropy
• Risk Assessment
• Program Development
• Management
• Training
• Volunteer Management
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Nonprofits
• Sustainability
• Fundraising
• Policy
• Risk Management
• Strategy
• Proposal Writing
• Environmental Policy
• Grant Writing