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Kahlil Kettering

Bezos Earth Fund Project Director

Worldwide Office

Headshot of Kahlil Kettering.

Kahlil Kettering Maryland/DC Urban Conservation Program Director © Trent Burns / Casey Trees

Areas of Expertise

Cities, nature-based solutions, natural climate solutions, green infrastructure

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Biography

Kahlil is the Bezos Earth Fund Project Director for The Nature Conservancy. In this role he provides strategic management and oversees all TNC deliverables associated with the $100M Bezos Earth Fund gift. He serves as the point person for oversight of the entire grant working with project teams around the globe to collaboratively deploy and scale natural climate solutions to capture greenhouse gas emissions.

Prior to this position Kahlil served as the inaugural Urban Conservation Program Director for the Maryland/DC Chapter from 2015-2021 where he developed conservation strategies in Washington, D.C., centered on implementing projects that elevate the intersection of protecting nature in urban areas and the benefits nature provides to people in cities.

This involved building momentum for the first ever stormwater retention credit trading program in D.C. by using natural solutions, like rain gardens and bioswales, that absorb stormwater and reduce runoff into the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. In addition to tackling stormwater runoff, Kahlil also worked on strategic tree canopy expansion, and engaging young people as environmental advocates for the future.

Kahlil holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from American University, a Master’s degree in Global Environmental Policy from American University, and a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the University of Maryland.

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Canopy Award for Sustainability MD/DC's Urban Conservation Program was recognized by Casey Trees for work on the groundbreaking stormwater retention project at historic Mount Olivet Cemetery.

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