The Wilderness Society selects new president to lead conservation efforts
Stone-Manning to join The Wilderness Society with distinguished track record in conservation and public service
WASHINGTON – Nov. 26 – The Wilderness Society is pleased to announce the selection of Tracy Stone-Manning as its new President, effective February 24, 2025. Stone-Manning will lead the organization in its mission to unite people to protect America’s wild places, bringing extensive experience in conservation policy, community engagement and environmental advocacy.
Stone-Manning will join The Wilderness Society with a distinguished track record of leadership in the conservation and public service sectors. She currently serves as the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, overseeing the nation’s 245 million acres of public lands. She previously led the public lands program at the National Wildlife Federation and has served as Chief of Staff to Governor Steve Bullock and a senior advisor to Senator Jon Tester, both of Montana. With a deep passion for public lands and a commitment to community-based solutions, Stone-Manning is set to build on The Wilderness Society’s 90-year legacy of safeguarding public lands across the United States.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tracy Stone-Manning to The Wilderness Society,” said Co-Chair of The Wilderness Society Governing Council, Rue Mapp. “She brings a visionary approach to conservation and a proven ability to unite diverse voices in protecting our natural heritage.”
“Stone-Manning is joining a storied 90-year legacy of public land defenders,” said Co-Chair of The Wilderness Society Governing Council, Martinique Grigg. “We look forward to her leadership as we continue to tackle the urgent challenges facing our public lands and climate.”
As President, Stone-Manning will focus on advancing The Wilderness Society’s strategic priorities advocating for robust public lands protections, built by and for communities across the country. She will also serve as the President of The Wilderness Society Action Fund, which mobilizes grassroots advocacy and civic engagement to protect our public lands and waters.
“The Wilderness Society, with its coalition-based approach, has been involved in nearly every public lands victory of the last century, and I am honored to have been selected to lead it into the future,” said Stone-Manning. “Wild places and our public lands are vital to the health of our environment, our communities and our climate. When I start next February, I am eager to work alongside our dedicated staff, partners and supporters to ensure these treasures are protected for all to enjoy.”
Stone-Manning is a hiker, backpacker and hunter, and is married to the writer Richard Manning. They venture into wild places every year. She succeeds Jamie Williams, who served as President of the organization from 2012 to 2024. The Wilderness Society Governing Council and staff extend their heartfelt thanks to Jamie for increasing membership, scaling up operations and recruiting a world-class team to meet ambitious goals for conservation, emissions reduction and funding outdoor access.
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, striving to inspire a culture of conservation and responsible stewardship. For more information visit www.wilderness.org
Contact: Rue Mapp, newsmedia@tws.org
