Michael Reuter Email and Phone Number

In 2016, my colleagues and I formed TNC's Midwest Region to amplify our efforts to create a world where nature and people thrive together. We focused on protecting the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. We sponsored a North America Regenerative Agriculture Program and fostered partnerships to mitigate and adapt to a changing climate. We initiated efforts to restore buffalo on Indigenous lands across North America.Over my 30+ years with TNC, I have been most inspired by bringing together… Show more In 2016, my colleagues and I formed TNC's Midwest Region to amplify our efforts to create a world where nature and people thrive together. We focused on protecting the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. We sponsored a North America Regenerative Agriculture Program and fostered partnerships to mitigate and adapt to a changing climate. We initiated efforts to restore buffalo on Indigenous lands across North America.Over my 30+ years with TNC, I have been most inspired by bringing together diverse groups of people to identify creative yet practical solutions that benefit both people and nature. I grew up in the Midwest, playing in the muddy Mississippi as well as working on farms and in small agribusinesses. I developed a deep reverence for the natural world as well as a profound respect for farmers, riverboat pilots and other people who work our lands and waters for the benefit of us all. To enable bold thinking and deepen collaboration across the Midwest region, we have doubled overall fundraising, and increased financial support fivefold for critical global programs. We have also been deeply committed to developing a culture that is inclusive, diverse and equitable for all staff and trustees as well as partners.I have worked on freshwater systems around the world yet find myself still inspired to paddle “my rivers” in the nearby Ozarks or Northwoods. I have always kept one foot in the Mississippi River, helping found America's Watershed Initiative in 2009, and bringing together 400+ organizations to build a shared vision and spur collective action for the people and wildlife who depend on this vital freshwater system.On a personal level, I am a longtime advocate for my daughter with special needs and deeply committed to the value that stems from increasing the diversity of voices in our work. I enjoy hiking, biking and canoeing with family and friends. I recently hiked around Mount Blanc in Europe and participated in RAGBRAI, biking 534 miles across Iowa. Show less

Developed a Water Program in North America that engages and supports more than 50 state chapters and 400 water staff as well as a wide variety of external partners working on some of the nation’s most significant water challenges, including protecting water supplies, reducing flood risk, building multi-purpose infrastructure, integrating water management in urban areas, and conserving vital ecosystems. Served as founding member of the Steering Committee for America’s Watershed… Show more Developed a Water Program in North America that engages and supports more than 50 state chapters and 400 water staff as well as a wide variety of external partners working on some of the nation’s most significant water challenges, including protecting water supplies, reducing flood risk, building multi-purpose infrastructure, integrating water management in urban areas, and conserving vital ecosystems. Served as founding member of the Steering Committee for America’s Watershed Initiative—engaging 400+ organizations in establishing a vision and integrated management approach for the Mississippi River Basin as a national and global model. Show less

Developed an innovative global partnership to enhance the world’s great river basins for people and nature. We accomplished this by bringing together diverse partners and sound science to expand options to achieve sustainable management and development, creating shared solutions to common land and water use dilemmas. We viewed our deep history and leadership role in the Mississippi River Basin as an important asset regionally, and as a foundation to promote the exchange of knowledge and… Show more Developed an innovative global partnership to enhance the world’s great river basins for people and nature. We accomplished this by bringing together diverse partners and sound science to expand options to achieve sustainable management and development, creating shared solutions to common land and water use dilemmas. We viewed our deep history and leadership role in the Mississippi River Basin as an important asset regionally, and as a foundation to promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise globally. Affiliated rivers included the Paraguay-Parana River (Brazil), Yangtze River (China), Zambezi River (Africa), and Magdalena River (Colombia). Continuing to focus on sustainable agriculture issues, including serving on the Executive Committee for the Keystone Field-to-Market Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture. Show less

Developed partnerships with key agricultural businesses to promote sustainable agricultural development. Served on the Steering Committee and Executive Committee for the Keystone Field-to-Market Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, developing a nutrient partnership with a variety of businesses and organizations on the Mississippi River. Contributed to a variety of public symposia regarding sustainability issues. Developed the next generation of leaders in the region through workshops… Show more Developed partnerships with key agricultural businesses to promote sustainable agricultural development. Served on the Steering Committee and Executive Committee for the Keystone Field-to-Market Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, developing a nutrient partnership with a variety of businesses and organizations on the Mississippi River. Contributed to a variety of public symposia regarding sustainability issues. Developed the next generation of leaders in the region through workshops, coaching, and management of a Conservation Leadership Team that discussed emerging issues and collaborated in strategy development. Show less

Played leadership role in managing the sixth largest operating unit in The Nature Conservancy with primary responsibility for 1) providing strategic direction and leadership to conservation programs throughout Illinois, particularly the conception and development of large-scale, multi-area initiatives; and 2) leading communications and fundraising throughout downstate Illinois. Coordinated the creation and implementation of the Upper Mississippi River Program. Developed strategic alliances… Show more Played leadership role in managing the sixth largest operating unit in The Nature Conservancy with primary responsibility for 1) providing strategic direction and leadership to conservation programs throughout Illinois, particularly the conception and development of large-scale, multi-area initiatives; and 2) leading communications and fundraising throughout downstate Illinois. Coordinated the creation and implementation of the Upper Mississippi River Program. Developed strategic alliances between Illinois-Mississippi River and Cuiabá-Paraguay River systems. Negotiated purchase of Wilder Farms at Emiquon, a 7,600-acre, $18.5M deal – largest acquisition in Illinois history for conservation and largest floodplain restoration project in the United States. Show less