Chris has more than 20 years of experience in project design, program development and grant-making, collaborating with numerous international conservation NGOs and donors in financing protected areas and conservation programs. As a fund director, Chris has overseen the allocation of more than $130 million in project funding, leveraging over $250m in co-funding towards long-term conservation efforts, spanning over 30 countries. Chris has extensive experience designing and implementing sustainable financing strategies for high-priority terrestrial and marine protected areas, including the establishment of more than 25 permanent conservation trust funds. Chris currently leads conservation finance support for the Blue Nature Alliance. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in ecology from the University of Massachusetts and a master’s degree in environmental policy from the University of Maryland.