Brian Wills

Associate Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations

Brian Wills is the Associate Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations, bringing over 16 years of experience in major gift development to his role. His work with The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Texas and Georgia business units has positioned him as a key figure in cultivating and managing impactful relationships with some of the nation’s most respected foundations and corporations. Notably, he served as the primary relationship manager for TNC’s partnerships with Georgia-based organizations including UPS, Coca-Cola, Smurfit Westrock, Kimberly-Clark, and the R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation.

With a Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Colorado and a Bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, Brian blends strategic communication with a deep commitment to environmental conservation. He has received professional training through The Nature Conservancy’s Strategic Gift Training program and is also a certified wildland firefighter—demonstrating a hands-on dedication to the ecosystems he supports.

Brian’s approach to development is grounded in immersive field experience. He has spent extensive time alongside environmental scientists and practitioners, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges facing forests and freshwater systems. He leverages this knowledge to create meaningful connections between donors and the natural world, fostering deeper investment in conservation efforts.

Outside of work, Brian enjoys hiking and exploring the outdoors. He’s hiked several sections of the A.T., first in North Carolina and more recently in northern Georgia. He see the Trail as a landscape that offers so much—an unmatched wildlife corridor, an iconic adventure embedded in the American outdoor experience, and the perfect point of entry for people who desire to personally connect with nature.

An avid music enthusiast, Brian also runs a home-based recording studio in Georgia where he collaborates with local songwriters and musicians.