The Nature Conservancy in Kansas Announces Katie Roby as New State Director

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Kansas is pleased to announce that Katie Roby has been selected as the new Kansas State Director, effective as of 2025. Roby brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit development and communications experience to the role. 

Roby originally joined The Nature Conservancy in 2022, most recently serving as Director of Philanthropy for the Kansas chapter. She has spent her career in nonprofit fundraising, holding various staff, board and volunteer roles at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, City Year Kansas City, Kansas City Women in Technology and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Kansas City Art Institute and a master’s in integrated marketing from the University of Kansas.

As the Kansas State Director, Roby will work closely with landowners, conservation partners, policymakers and Trustees to advance The Nature Conservancy’s mission to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. She will oversee a state-wide staff team, manage the chapter’s large conservation portfolio and help drive the resources needed to achieve The Nature Conservancy’s ambitious 2030 goals.

“I have found Katie to be an exceptionally perceptive and measured leader with excellent management skills,” Brad Bradley, Kansas chapter Board of Trustees Member expresses excitement for the new director, “I look forward to working with her to accomplish our conservation goals.” 

Roby credits her passion for nature to her childhood adventures on her grandfather’s farm. There, she rodeoed, climbed trees, swam in ponds and ultimately developed a deep love and adoration for all things wild. Nature continues to serve as her sanctuary and inspiration. Katie's favorite experiences with the Kansas chapter include collecting DNA samples during bison round-ups and watching Logan County sunsets from Smoky Valley Ranch. Katie and her husband Danny reside in Ozawkie and enjoy kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking in their free time.  

Roby’s appointment as Kansas State Director follows the internal promotion of her predecessor, Ben Postlethwait, to Great Plains Division Director. “I have had the privilege of working directly with Katie and I have been impressed with her ability to think strategically about our conservation work in Kansas,” expresses Postlethwait. “She brings a significant background in fundraising along with a passion for nature.  As a Kansan and a parent, I feel tremendously blessed to have a leader like Katie playing a key role in the future of our state's natural heritage. It is an honor to continue working with her, and I look forward to the great things she will do for the Sunflower State."

For interview opportunities and information about The Nature Conservancy in Kansas, reach out to Shannon Shechter, Marketing and Communications Director at shannon.shechter@tnc.org. 

About The Nature Conservancy in Kansas

Founded in the US in 1951 through grassroots action, The Nature Conservancy has grown to be one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. We use the best available science, a creative spirit and a collaborative approach to develop innovative solutions to complex conservation problems at scales that matter and in ways that will endure. 

For 35 years, we have worked across the state to ensure Kansas prairies, wetlands and streams remain healthy for future generations while engaging the communities whose lives and livelihoods depend on our natural resources. In addition to our work with landowners and partners, we own seven public preserves including Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Konza Prairie Biological Station and Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park. Learn more about The Nature Conservancy in Kansas.