I Ling Thompson is the Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for America’s Public Lands, the congressionally chartered charitable partner of the Bureau of Land Management. As the Foundation’s inaugural CEO, she is building a new model for public-private partnership by bringing together government, philanthropy, businesses, and communities to expand what is possible for America’s public lands and waters.
Under Thompson’s leadership, the Foundation has leveraged more than $20 million into 88 projects supporting public lands and gateway communities nationwide. Her approach centers on setting the biggest table possible, bringing together ranchers and producers, hunters and anglers, recreationists, businesses, conservation organizations and communities around their shared stake in public lands.
Thompson brings more than two decades of executive leadership spanning conservation, outdoor recreation, business and philanthropy, including senior leadership roles at The Nature Conservancy and Trust for Public Land. A Colorado resident, she spends her free time mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, hunting, and exploring America’s public lands.
