Meet Dr. Abigail Derby Lewis, CFC’s Executive Director

Abigail Lewis

As CFC Executive Director (ED), Abigail Derby Lewis provides visionary leadership and strategic direction while working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, members, donors, and volunteers to achieve CFC’s goals for conservation, restoration, education, and community involvement. She is responsible for oversight of program development, financial management, community engagement, supervising and mentoring staff, and the day-to-day operations of CFC. Her role is key in ensuring that CFC operates efficiently and effectively while advancing our goals of conservation, education, and community engagement. 

With broad expertise in landscape conservation planning and climate action, Abigail brings deep knowledge and strong leadership to the ED role. Her work experience spans regional, national, and international landscapes, focusing on co-developing community-centered resilience strategies to amplify conservation efforts. She successfully translates climate science into actionable strategies leading to on-the-ground results. 

Abigail previously held advancing Director roles at the Field Museum’s Keller Science Action Center, where she led interdisciplinary teams of scientists and conservation professionals to translate cutting-edge research into tangible conservation and community outcomes. She has worked alongside universities, non-profits, government agencies, Indigenous communities and foundations to create and implement tools and policies that support biodiversity while benefiting local wellbeing.  

A dedicated leader in conservation, Abigail served on the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, including as Chair from 2022 to 2024. She also played a pivotal role in climate action initiatives for the Chicago Wilderness Alliance. 

Abigail is deeply committed to protecting and restoring vital ecosystems and believes in the transformative power of connecting people to nature. She is driven to inspire action that secures a sustainable future for both nature and communities.