LightHawk Names Elliott Wright as Next Chief Executive Officer
Conservation executive with a proven record of philanthropic growth and landscape-scale partnerships to guide LightHawk’s next chapter
GRAND JUNCTION, CO. — LightHawk, the national environmental nonprofit that has advanced conservation since 1979, announced the appointment of Elliott Wright as its next Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Jim Becker. Elliott moved to Boulder, Colorado and began as CEO on July 31, 2026.
“Elliott brings a rare combination of conservation expertise, coalition-building, and fundraising leadership,” said Kimberly Eckert, LightHawk’s Board Chair. “He already understands the power of LightHawk’s capabilities firsthand, having worked with our volunteers while at The Nature Conservancy. We’re confident he’s the right leader for LightHawk’s next chapter.”
Wright joins LightHawk with more than 20 years of conservation and philanthropic leadership experience. As an Executive Director for nearly a decade Wright managed large teams; dramatically expanded annual, capital, and endowment fundraising programs; managed large-scale conservation and stewardship plans; led a nonprofit merger; and revitalized volunteer-driven conservation and education programs.
While at The Nature Conservancy Elliott secured transformative philanthropic commitments to protect critical landscapes and seascapes in the United States, Palmyra Atoll, Solomon Islands, eastern Africa, and southeast Asia. A centerpiece of this work was his role as Campaign Director for the Northern Sierra Partnership, a collaboration between major land trusts, indigenous tribes and government agencies.
He advises private family offices and mission-driven organizations at the intersection of conservation, education, and innovation, including past work with professional climber Alex Honnold to help scale the Honnold Foundation’s solar energy work. A CFRE-trained fundraiser, REI and NOLS faculty member since 2010, Wright built his career inspiring the protection of nature through story and the power of experiential learning in the mountains, rivers, oceans, and grasslands that we work to protect.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been inspired by organizations that bring together talented people around a shared purpose to create lasting conservation impact,” said Wright. “LightHawk has built a remarkable model that connects volunteers, conservation leaders, philanthropic partners, and communities to protect the landscapes, water, and wildlife we all depend on. I’m honored to join the team and look forward to working with the Board, staff, pilots, and partners to build on that strong foundation and expand LightHawk’s impact in the years ahead.”
The Board thanks outgoing CEO Jim Becker for his leadership and the strong foundation he leaves for Wright to build on. Becker will work closely with Wright in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition for LightHawk’s staff, pilots, and partners.
About LightHawk
For 47 years, LightHawk has used the power of flight to advance conservation, connecting organizations, agencies, researchers, and community leaders with the aerial perspective needed to drive impact. Over 275 volunteer pilots donate their flights and expertise at no cost to partners, supporting endangered species recovery, habitat protection, water quality monitoring, environmental research, and public education — delivering critical data and imagery that inform decisions and accelerate progress on the ground.
Media Contact:
Clint Burson, Strategic Communications Manager | [email protected] | 970-797-9355