Jim O’Brien

Director of External Affairs at the Nature Conservancy

Clean Energy Infrastructure: Opportunities and How to Access Federal Funds

Jim joined The Nature Conservancy in 2011, bringing his policy knowledge, strategic insights, and leadership skills to the New Hampshire chapter. In his role, Jim is responsible for the Chapter’s Government Relations Program, oversees the Chapter’s Marketing and Communication activities as well as the Climate and Clean Energy program. Jim builds and maintains relationships with policy makers at the federal, state and local levels to support conservation initiatives for climate, land and wildlife, freshwater, marine and clean energy priorities. In his role, Jim also works to build support for, and connect The Nature Conservancy’s on the ground conservation projects with diverse audiences and stakeholders across the state. Prior to joining The Conservancy, Jim was the founding Executive Director of Conservation NH – an environmental lobbying and political action organization, and served in several development positions with New Hampshire based public health non-profits. Over the years, Jim has served in leadership positions in numerous state and federal political campaigns for candidates at every level. Jim is currently serving in his 5th year on the Hopkinton School Board, serving as Chair and leading the School District during the COVID-19 pandemic. He previously spent 12 years on the Hopkinton Select Board – 10 of those years as Chair. He resides in a vintage 1790’s home with his wife Amy and has four children.

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