The Catalina Island Conservancy is excited to introduce its first-ever Chief of Programs, Adam Finck. A seasoned international conservation expert, Finck now leads the Conservancy’s newly integrated mission across its three main pillars: conservation, education and recreation in addition to its volunteer programs.

In his role, Finck oversees mission-aligned departments, develops a strategic vision for the programs division, assesses and advocates for the Conservancy’s goals, and works to scale its impact. We spoke with him about his environmental background, his experiences across Africa, and his vision for advancing the Conservancy’s mission.

Catalina Island Conservancy

What inspired you to become the Conservancy’s inaugural Chief of Programs?

Finck

I’ve spent the past 20 years building and scaling programs worldwide that impact our planet and its people. After growing up in Southern California, I spent nearly two decades living in areas affected by violent conflict and environmental degradation, working at the intersection of security and conservation in places like East and Central Africa. This work taught me the interconnectedness between the natural resources we steward and the well-being of the communities living in and around these biodiversity hotspots.

Before joining the Conservancy, I worked at a climate-tech startup, building teams that scaled ecosystem restoration projects from Colombia to Ghana to the Brazilian Amazon. When the opportunity arose to join the Conservancy as its inaugural chief of programs, I was eager to bring my experience in building and scaling high-impact programming to this incredibly special place—my backyard—where I’ve enjoyed camping, diving and hiking.

Catalina Island Conservancy

It’s great to see your mission align so seamlessly with your passions. Of all the Conservancy’s programs, which ones do you think need the most support to scale effectively?

Finck

We’re at a pivotal moment. Climate change is fueling rampant wildfires and pushing fragile ecosystems to their limits. Amid this, we are working to create a climate-resilient island and world-class programs that set a new standard for conservancies like ours.

On the conservation side, we have the opportunity to restore 48,000 acres, protect 60 endemic species and create a climate-resilient island for residents and guests to experience for decades. In education, we aim to become Los Angeles’ largest outdoor classroom, offering transformative experiences for young people to learn about environmental stewardship. For recreation, we’re working to improve access to adventures, deepen visitors’ connection to the land and share the island’s cultural heritage and ecological significance.

Achieving these goals requires time, talent and resources from supporters who share our vision and want to partner with us in this transformative effort.

Catalina Island Conservancy

What have you learned in your first few months about the importance of creating an integrated mission for the Conservancy?

Finck

Conservation, education and recreation are deeply interconnected—they strengthen one another. We see recreationists as future conservationists and learning as something integrated into all aspects of our work. To protect this wild space, a growing number of people must have a deep, personal connection with the land, an understanding of its heritage, and an investment in its future potential.

Catalina Island Conservancy

Are there any new programs you’d like to develop?

Finck

I’m excited to work with our team to expand our reach through new facilities, better access to the interior wildlands and curated experiences that support our mission of exemplary stewardship for the island.

Catalina Island Conservancy

Thanks so much, Adam.  Welcome aboard.