Welcome to Kris Sarri, The Nature Conservancy’s new Massachusetts State Director. With over 30 years of experience in environmental advocacy and public service, Kris brings deep expertise, global perspective and a passion for improving the livelihoods of communities and protecting nature.

Kris most recently served as USAID’s Acting Chief Climate Officer and Senior Advisor for Climate and Environment and was nominated by President Biden for Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. From shaping policy in the U.S. Senate to leading across federal agencies, her impact has been far-reaching and inspiring. She spent eight years in the U.S. Senate, where she was on the professional staff of the Senate Commerce Committee with responsibility for the Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard Subcommittee; served as a senior policy advisor to Senator Jack Reed; and was the legislative director of the Northeast-Midwest Senate Coalition. A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, her early life was shaped by a strong sense of service and a deep love for the outdoors, particularly the ocean. Her passion for the natural world, combined with her parents’ emphasis on service, led her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington University, where she majored in biology and minored in political science. She went on to earn two master’s degrees from the University of Michigan: a Master of Science in natural resources and a Master of Public Health.

Sarri is an avid SCUBA diver. She and her husband, Drew, as well as their rescue cats and dogs, are relocating to Boston from Silver Spring, MD.