FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATURAL AREAS CONSERVANCY APPOINTS ODED HOLZINGER AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Climate resilience leader to guide NYC environmental nonprofit through
new strategic plan
New York, NY, December 11, 2025 — The Natural Areas Conservancy—the only nonprofit dedicated solely to the care and protection of New York City’s 20,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and grasslands—today announced that climate resilience executive Oded Holzinger has been named its new executive director. He will officially step into the role on January 30, 2026, following a competitive and extensive search and unanimous vote by the organization’s Board of Directors.
“Oded brings the leadership, experience, and values needed to guide the NAC now and into the future,” said Andrew Wallach, interim executive director of the Natural Areas Conservancy. “He has a deep understanding of the climate pressures facing urban environments, a collaborative approach to partnerships, and a proven ability to advance community-driven environmental solutions. He is uniquely prepared to lead the NAC into its next chapter.”
Holzinger comes to the NAC from Groundwork Hudson Valley. Prior to his role as executive director, he oversaw major climate adaptation and urban greening initiatives for the organization, including the Yonkers Greenway, the Saw Mill River Coalition, and the Climate Safe Neighborhoods program. His work has centered on environmental justice, youth leadership, and community-led responses to extreme heat, flooding, and other climate impacts—issues increasingly affecting New York City’s neighborhoods and natural areas.
Previously, Holzinger worked as a climate adaptation specialist at AKRF, advising city governments on climate policy and resilient design. He began his career as an outdoor educator serving underserved communities, an experience that has informed his commitment to ensuring equitable access to nature and healthy and resilient communities.
“The NAC’s mission is more urgent than ever,” said Oded Holzinger, incoming executive director. “New York City’s natural areas are essential climate infrastructure, and the NAC’s exceptional team has built remarkable momentum over the past 13 years in preserving these spaces. I’m honored to lead an organization that has made such significant contributions locally and nationally in natural areas research, advocacy, stewardship, and workforce development.”
Holzinger’s appointment aligns with the launch of NAC’s 2026–2029 strategic plan, which sets a clear direction for strengthening the city’s natural areas and scaling best practices nationwide through its 26-city Forests in Cities network.
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About the Natural Areas Conservancy
Since 2012, the Natural Areas Conservancy has worked to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to high-quality nature and resilient, connected communities. The NAC is the only nonprofit focused exclusively on the care of New York City’s 20,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and grasslands, advancing this mission through research, advocacy, stewardship, and partnerships. The organization also leads the Forests in Cities network, a coalition of experts from 26 U.S. cities working together to preserve and expand urban forested natural areas nationwide.
For more information, contact:
Shannon Jordy | Deputy Director of Communications & External Affairs |
Natural Areas Conservancy | shannon.jordy@naturalareasnyc.org
