Ben Gilmer has over 20 years of experience in environmental conservation and sustainable development, specializing in fisheries, agriculture, technology, and markets-based initiatives. Currently the Global Director of Large-Scale Fisheries at The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Ben works with corporations, NGOs, and governments to advance conservation initiatives across Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Africa, and Europe.

 

Before TNC, he was CEO of Stuart Land & Cattle Company, a diversified agriculture company in Southwest Virginia, and helped Coalfield Development launch their Refresh Appalachia social enterprise. Ben also worked as a sustainability consultant with WV-based Downstream Strategies, supporting economic development and food system projects in Appalachia. Earlier in his career, Ben worked at Radford University, West Virginia University, and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

 

Ben is the son of a coal miner and he grew up working on the same farm that has been in his family since the late 1700s. He currently serves on the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation’s Board of Directors and moonlights as a part-time bluegrass musician. Ben has a master’s degree from West Virginia University and a bachelor’s degree from Radford University.