NAC Junior Board Q&A: Felix Soellner

The Natural Areas Conservancy formed our Junior Board last March! This group includes early-mid career professionals who feel passionate about the NAC’s mission and are eager to take on a leadership role in the nonprofit sector. Get to know the individuals who make up this stellar group in our new Q&A series.

Felix Soellner

What organization do you currently work at and in what role? 

I work as part of the growing ESG team at HPS Investment Partners, which manages various strategies across the capital structure with a focus on credit investments. At HPS, we believe a responsible approach to investing that emphasizes a commitment to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) management enhances our ability to control downside risks and optimize investment outcomes. In practice, that means I work with investment teams on understanding and mitigating ESG considerations across various industries and also directly with investors. Those investors often times represent large groups like pensioners or home owners who might feel the impact of unsustainable corporate activities more acutely.   

What inspired you about the Natural Areas Conservancy to get involved? 

As a lifelong scout, I have always been drawn to nature and all of its diversity. Having lived in several large metropoles over the last decade, I have become more attuned to how nature surrounds us no matter where we are. We just have to look intently. Organizations like the Natural Areas Conservancy provide such a critical component to inner city life by enabling communities access to natural areas. New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds coming together to share knowledge, volunteer out in the field to improve trails, provide access to unique habitats, and enhance the liveability of this multifaceted city is a truly worthwhile cause. The NAC also addresses another topic dear to my heart — climate change; its research on a shared understanding of the value in nature and resilience building to support New Yorkers in their day-to-day life fills a crucial gap. Climate change has begun reshaping our communities and natural habitats in real-time around us. Understanding how local habitats are interconnected and supporting urban living in a world with hotter summers and more extreme weather patterns are poised to become larger public discussion points. How can one not get excited to support an organixation that is aiming to make a difference right here in our city?

How do you hope to lend your expertise to the NAC’s mission? 

It’s truly a privilege partnering with the NAC team. I hope that my work in sustainability and prior board experience in animal conservation across South East Asia will bring an interesting perspective to the organization. I am looking forward to being part of a vibrant community — listening, seeing and lending a helping hand where my skills are of use. My ambition is to spark interest in supporting the NAC by enabling the next generation of nature lovers and hikers.

What’s your favorite natural area or park in NYC?

Just ahead of City Island in the Bronx one can find the beautiful Orchard Beach and Pelham Bay Park. I have visited the area in various seasons and my favorite is the winter when the beach is overblown with snow and the oak trees are covered in a dusting. After spending a few hours surrounded by only seagulls and the scent of the sea I can feel my mind clear and my connection with nature rejuvenated. Get out there and take a deep breath. It’s always worth it.

Learn more about the NAC’s junior board.