Advisory Board

Industry leaders and innovators guiding the strategic direction of the Natural Resources Finance Initiative.

Advisory Leadership

The NRFI Advisory Board brings together senior executives and thought leaders from across the forestry, conservation, and finance sectors.

Their experience ensures that NRFI’s programs remain relevant, forward-thinking, and connected to real-world challenges in natural resources management.

The Advisory Board plays a key role in mentoring students, informing research priorities, and expanding partnerships between academia and industry. Their guidance strengthens NRFI’s position as a bridge between financial innovation and environmental stewardship.

Director, Policy and External Relations,

BTG Pactual Timberland Group

Research Forester,

U.S. Forest Service – Southern Research Station

Director of Policy, Partnerships, and Sustainability,

Green Diamond Resource Company

Duke MEM/MF Alum

Chief Scientist,

Sustainable Forestry Initiative 

Senior Director, Climate Smart Agriculture,

Environmental Defense Fund

Duke MEM Alum

Co-Founder & Chief Scientist,

Blue Forest

NRFI Board Chair

Managing Director,

The Lyme Timber Company

Wood Turner

Partner,

Agriculture Capital

Duke Alum

Senior Vice President of Sustainability & Natural Capital,

Aurora Sustainable Lands

Duke MEM/MF Alum

Director, Agricultural Economics and Strategy,

Manulife Investment Management

CEO,

Timberland Options

Duke MBA/MF Alum

Former Board Members

We recognize and thank the individuals who have previously served on the NRFI Board for their leadership, guidance, and contributions to advancing natural resource finance.

  • Scott Jones (Chair), Rayonier
  • Gerrity Lansing, Head, Global Alternatives and TIG, BTG Pactual
  • Alex Rudee, Amazon

We remain grateful for their service and continued engagement in the field!

Stay Connected

Join our growing network of students, professionals, and alumni working at the intersection of finance and sustainability.