Conservation only works when it’s grounded in reality. At the American Conservation Coalition, that means focusing on practical solutions that protect our natural resources while also supporting economic growth and innovation. Those priorities are not in conflict. They go hand in hand. Whether it’s energy, infrastructure, agriculture, or public lands, the goal is simple. Find the solutions that others overlook, the ones that balance growth and stewardship in a way that actually holds up, and build from there.

The American Conservation Coalition is a home for conservatives who want a place in the environmental movement. For many, that hasn’t always been easy to find. ACC brings together people who care about protecting our waterways, coastlines, and farmland and gives them a way to engage that reflects their values. Through work with students, young professionals, and community leaders, we’re building a network focused on practical solutions and real involvement.

As ACC’s newly-named North and South Carolina State Director, I help lead these efforts here at home. I work across the state on campuses, in local communities, and in policy spaces to connect people with opportunities to get involved and to ensure the Carolinas have a voice in shaping the future of conservation.

I’m a North Carolina native and a graduate of NC State, and my connection to conservation has always been hands-on. I grew up on a farm raising cattle, where taking care of the land wasn’t a talking point; it was part of daily life. You pay attention to the soil, the water, and the long-term health of what you’re working with because your livelihood depends on it. That perspective sticks with you and shapes how you approach decisions that affect both the land and the people who rely on it.

North Carolina is well-positioned to lead in this space. We have a strong agricultural base, a growing economy, and some of the most valuable natural resources in the country. From our farmland to our coastline, these are industries and environments that people depend on every day. Getting conservation right here means protecting those resources while allowing communities to grow and succeed. The choices we make in North Carolina set a tone for how other states can achieve the same balance.

With that in mind, ACC is continuing to expand our presence across the state. This fall, we plan to launch a new chapter at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. It’s a natural fit given the region’s connection to coastal issues and environmental policy. More importantly, it gives students a direct way to get involved, whether that’s through policy discussions, community engagement, or building relationships with leaders working on these issues every day.

I’m looking forward to the future of ACC in the Carolinas, and especially to what comes next as we continue to grow along the coast. The Port City is a remarkable place, and as its economy continues to grow and evolve, there are real opportunities for us to ensure that its growth is matched with the kind of stewardship that keeps it beautiful.