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The sun rises in a foggy sky over the forested Appalachian hills in Ohio.
Cumberland Forest The Appalachian Mountain Range is one of TNC’s four global focal regions. Ohio supporters invested more than $1 million in our efforts to conserve its rich biodiversity. © Cameron Davidson

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The Nature Conservancy in Ohio Welcomes Mary Turocy, New Director of Policy and Government Relations

May 08, 2023 | Dublin, OH

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Candid portrait of Mary Turocy.
Mary Turocy As the new Director of Policy and Government Relations in Ohio, Mary brings extensive experience in policy, civil right advocacy and governmental affairs to The Nature Conservancy. © TNC

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) today announced that Mary Turocy has joined the Ohio team as Director of Policy and Government Relations. Turocy comes to TNC with more than 16 years of experience in policy, including more than eight years in civil rights advocacy. Most recently, Turocy served as the director of public affairs for the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, where she was responsible for overseeing government affairs, communications and outreach. Before that, Turocy served as senior policy analyst for Disability Rights Ohio, where she helped educate and inform policymakers and the public about the issues facing individuals with disabilities.

“I am excited to join The Nature Conservancy's team of experts in advancing the conservation of Ohio's lands and waters. I look forward to collaborating with policymakers to develop informed strategies to protect our most precious resources and slow the rate of climate change in our state."

Turocy was selected after an extensive search and will lead TNC’s work in Ohio by shaping and influencing conservation and public policy outcomes that advance TNC’s mission to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Turocy will help advance TNC’s national and regional policy priorities related to waters, lands and climate change. Her previous experience in communications, outreach and research will be valuable as she works with a diverse range of stakeholders to build support for the organization’s strategic conservation initiatives.

“Good public policy is key to achieving our conservation goals in Ohio and across the Midwest. We know that working across both sides of the aisle is the only way to find win-win solutions for Ohioans and nature. From maintaining and increasing support for crucial conservation programs like H2Ohio, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Clean Ohio Fund, to identifying new policy opportunities in favor of a cleaner, healthier Ohio for all, Mary brings to TNC a fantastic blend of experience and passion for people and the outdoors that make her the perfect fit for achieving those outcomes,” said Bill Stanley, state director for The Nature Conservancy in Ohio.

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.