Heather Stirratt

Heather Stirratt is director of water and agriculture for the Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota chapter of The Nature Conservancy. She is a seasoned federal executive with three decades of domestic and transnational leadership in scientific research and coastal and fisheries management. Her work has been central to enhancing the U.S. response to climate change threats across some of North America's most strategically and economically vital ecosystems, notably the Great Lakes. Stirratt’s expertise spans program management, policy implementation, international relations, and strategic planning. With a leadership style rooted in team building, transparency, collaboration, and accountability, she has secured new funding pathways, enhanced compliance with the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and modernized operational systems to ensure continued protection of ecosystems holding 20% of the world's fresh surface water.As executive director of the International Joint Commission’s Great Lakes Regional Office, Stirratt led a binational team advancing transboundary science, Indigenous engagement, water quality policy coordination, and budget modernization. She is a proven force in driving large-scale scientific initiatives, including the forthcoming Great Lakes Science Plan for the Next Generation, while mentoring emerging leaders, strengthening equity in environmental governance, and forging cross-sector partnerships. Stirratt joined the IJC with over 27 years of professional experience in coastal and fisheries management. Most recently having served for 15 years as the Great Lakes regional lead for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office for Coastal Management, Stirratt gained valuable experience providing co-management oversight of regionally and nationally dispersed staff, contractors, and remote teams working to execute NOAA’s mission and address Great Lakes constituent needs, while providing the best available scientific information on which to inform decisions.