Nicholas Institute Board of Advisors

Frances Beinecke
Frances Beinecke is the president of Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). One of the United States’ most influential environmental action groups, the NRDC uses law, science, and the support of 1.2 million members and online activists to advance comprehensive solutions to today’s biggest environmental challenges.

Under Beinecke’s leadership, the organization has launched a new strategic campaign that sharply focuses NRDC’s efforts on curbing global warming, moving America beyond oil, reviving the world’s oceans, saving endangered wild places, stemming the tide of toxic chemicals, and accelerating the greening of China.

Beinecke has worked with NRDC for more than 30 years. Prior to becoming the president in 2006, Beinecke served as the organization’s executive director for eight years, during which time NRDC’s membership doubled and its staff grew to more than 300. She also worked as a member of NRDC’s Water & Coastal Program, fighting to protect marine ecosystems from offshore oil and gas development and advocating for sound coastal land use.

In addition to her work at NRDC, Beinecke has played a leadership role in several other environmental organizations. She currently serves on the boards of the World Resources Institute, the Energy Future Coalition, and Conservation International’s Center for Environmental Leadership in Business. She has been a member of the boards of the Wilderness Society, the China-U.S. Center for Sustainable Development, and the New York League of Conservation Voters.

Beinecke received a bachelor’s degree from Yale College and a master’s degree from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. She now co-chairs the Leadership Council of the Yale School of Forestry and is a member of the Yale School of Management’s Advisory Board and a former member of the Yale Corporation. She has received the Rachel Carson Award from the National Audubon Society, the Distinguished Alumni Award from Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, the Annual Conservation Award from the Adirondack Council, and the Robert Marshall Award from the Wilderness Society.