The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is pleased to announce that former Chief Operations Officer (COO) Jeremy Peters has been named as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to manage the association and lead advocacy efforts on behalf of the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts.

“NACD is extremely fortunate to have an ‘in-house’ candidate that understands the needs of our association,” said NACD President Lee McDaniel. “Jeremy is a humble and sincere young man who knows our staff, our partners and many of our members, and understands the issues facing conservation districts today. His strong work ethic, passion for our mission, and ability to follow through on our various projects will serve NACD well in our future endeavors. We are pleased to welcome Jeremy as our new CEO.”

Peters rejoined NACD as COO in October 2014. Prior to that time, he worked for American Farmland Trust (AFT) where he led AFT’s efforts on Capitol Hill as the Director of Federal Policy. Earlier in his career, Peters served as NACD’s Legislative Affairs Manager, and directed climate, conservation and energy programs for National Farmers Union. He has also previously worked on Capitol Hill for former Congressman Earl Pomeroy, D – N.D., who sat on the House Agriculture Committee and the Ways and Means Committee.

“I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve NACD and the nation’s conservation districts as CEO,” said Peters. “With a rapidly growing world population, this is an important time for natural resource conservation. I look forward to working with NACD’s officers, elected leaders and staff, and our national partners, to promote and advance voluntary, incentive-based conservation solutions.”

Peters grew up on his family’s farm raising beef cattle in rural southwest Virginia. He holds B.A. degrees in Political Science and History from Emory and Henry College, as well as a Masters in Public Administration from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.