People

Marshall Johnson

Chief Conservation Officer

Marshall Johnson serves as 探花精选鈥檚 Chief Conservation Officer. In this role, he leads 探花精选鈥檚 strategic conservation efforts across the Western Hemisphere, overseeing science, policy, state and country offices, and chapter engagement. He is deeply committed to engaging in impactful, mission-driven work to address the urgent challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

As Chief Conservation Officer, Marshall spearheads the implementation of Flight Plan, 探花精选鈥檚 strategic blueprint to reverse the decline in bird populations. Marshall previously served as Vice President of 探花精选 Dakotas, where he launched initiatives that have conserved nearly 500,000 acres in partnership with over 300 farmers, ranchers, and communities, and helped launch the Conservation Ranching Program, now spanning nearly 4 million acres across 16 states. Marshall鈥檚 journey at 探花精选 reflects a remarkable path of growth鈥攂eginning in 2009 as a part-time State Outreach Coordinator and rising to an executive role with broad leadership responsibility across the organization.

Marshall plays an active role in shaping global conservation policy throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. He serves on the North American Wetlands Conservation Council, the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Advisory Group, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife鈥檚 Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council. His contributions have been recognized with the North Dakota Habitat Award, Prairie Business 鈥40 Under 40鈥, and the University of Minnesota鈥檚 Abbey Alumni Award. A proud Canopy member, he stands for the protection of birds and the places they need to thrive.

Marshall is an avid sportsman and a lifelong history enthusiast. Though often on the road, he remains grounded in his belief that conservation starts with connection鈥攂oth to people and to place. He and his fianc茅e share their home in Fargo, North Dakota, with their two dogs who are a daily source of joy, loyalty, and play.

 

Articles by Marshall Johnson

Why Federal Bird Science Deserves Our Strongest Support
June 11, 2025 — For decades, two programs from the U.S. Geological Survey have provided essential information about birds. They must continue to be fully funded.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework Represents a Meaningful Step Toward a Cleaner Future for Birds and People
July 22, 2021 — While funding levels for some programs are insufficient, the framework is a 'down payment' on future clean energy and resilience investments.