The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust (NWALT) has selected Marson Nance as its new Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, effective October 1, 2026. Nance has been with NWALT since 2018, serving in various leadership roles including Director of Land Protection, Director of Land Stewardship, and, most recently, Director of Philanthropy.
During his eight years with NWALT, Nance contributed to conserving over 3,000 acres throughout Northwest Arkansas. His involvement has spanned from preserve openings and volunteer projects to direct engagement with landowners, aiding in the organization’s mission to protect natural landscapes in the region.
NWALT’s Board of Directors described this transition as a recognition of Nance’s longstanding commitment rather than bringing in an outsider. His history with the trust and deep local connections position him to continue guiding NWALT’s conservation initiatives amid growing regional development pressures.
Marson Nance has helped steer key projects involving land protection and stewardship that are critical to NWALT’s operations. His recent role as Director of Philanthropy involved cultivating donor relationships essential to funding these efforts. This background is expected to support NWALT’s continued growth in conservation outreach and land preservation.
NWALT has steadily expanded its footprint over the past decade, working to balance land development in Northwest Arkansas with conservation goals. Protecting more than 3,000 acres through easements and preserves reflects the organization’s response to increasing land-use challenges driven by the area’s population growth.
The leadership change comes at a pivotal moment as NWALT prepares for the next phase of land conservation strategy in a region marked by expanding urbanization. Nance has participated in numerous community events and discussions, building both public awareness and partnerships that underpin NWALT’s mission.
Community volunteers and landowners have been central to NWALT’s conservation work, with Nance often recognizing their role in maintaining and establishing preserves. His history of collaboration with these stakeholders will remain a key feature of his CEO tenure.
Nance’s appointment signals NWALT’s intent to maintain continuity while addressing the strategic challenges of protecting natural and agricultural landscapes in Northwest Arkansas. His deep institutional knowledge and community ties position him to lead NWALT’s efforts amid a changing environmental and economic landscape.
As NWALT moves forward, Nance is expected to emphasize the organization’s core mission of conserving land for ecological health, recreation, and sustaining the region’s quality of life. The trust’s work remains crucial to managing Northwest Arkansas’s growth in a way that respects its natural heritage.
Marson Nance’s promotion from within reinforces NWALT’s practice of nurturing leadership that is closely connected to the region and its conservation goals. His familiarity with local landowners and conservationists ensures a steady hand on the organization’s future direction in the evolving landscape of Northwest Arkansas land management.
Source: NWA Land Trust
