Elvis Cordova

Elvis S. Cordova is a seasoned executive and public policy leader with more than 20 years' experience addressing some of the most significant challenges facing the U.S. public sector and conservation movement. He currently serves as board chair of Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project, where he champions equitable access to public lands and natural resources. Cordova previously served as Chief of Staff at The Wilderness Society, where he contributed to national conservation, climate policy, and advancing diversity in the environmental movement.

He has held senior federal government roles, including Deputy Under Secretary and Acting Under Secretary at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, managing portfolios in food labeling, conservation, nutrition, international trade, and research programs. Cordova also served as Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy for the National Recreation and Park Association, and as the founder of Statecraft Strategies, a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm.​

His early career included work as a financial analyst at Harvard Management Company and as a consultant with the United Nations on emerging market trade development. Cordova is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and French, and has lived and worked in Latin America and Europe.​

Cordova holds a Master’s in Public Administration from NYU Wagner and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University; he has also completed certificates from Harvard, Georgetown, Berkeley, Universidad de Sevilla, Universidad de Buenos Aires, École Nationale des Travaux Publics de l'État, and Pontifícia Universidade Católica.​

Throughout his career, Cordova is recognized for coalition-building, championing equity and sustainability, and delivering results that benefit communities and ecosystems nationwide.​