NACD ANNOUNCES INTERIM CEO

August 7, 2026

Today, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) announced Laura Wood as the association’s interim Chief Executive Officer.

Wood is a former NACD employee who served as the Director of Government Affairs from 2011 to 2014. Recently, she has been a consultant to the association as President of LWP Consulting, Inc. Wood understands that leadership in the agricultural industry requires a deep understanding of America’s working lands and the indispensable role that conservation districts play at the county level.

“With her background and knowledge, I am very excited for Laura to serve as NACD’s interim CEO,” said NACD President Gary Blair. “Laura’s qualifications and leadership abilities will assist NACD as we launch a national search for the next Chief Executive Officer of NACD. Laura brings her vast knowledge of conservation and agriculture to NACD at a critical time. The past 80 years have laid a foundation for our future. Laura will assist us as we move forward together for voluntary, locally led conservation.” 

Wood has also demonstrated successful results in multiple government affairs roles across the agriculture industry, including at The Russell Group, Syngenta, and Indigo Agriculture. Wood received her Juris Doctor degree from The George Washington University Law School, where she later served as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Political Science. She graduated cum laude from Kansas State University with degrees in Political Science and Philosophy. Growing up on her family farm in Kansas, Wood cultivated a love for the land. 

“I am honored to serve as interim CEO on behalf of the nation's locally led conservation districts at a time when America's agricultural economy faces significant challenges and opportunities,” said Wood. “My leadership practice is dedicated to helping organizations navigate change, accelerate results, and strengthen collaboration. I look forward to working alongside NACD’s Board of Directors, our national team, and partners across the country to advance the organization's mission and support the thousands of local leaders whose stewardship is essential to the natural resource management of America's working lands.”

Wood will begin serving as NACD’s interim CEO on August 17, 2026.

Source: NACD