About Josette

Josette Lewis assumed leadership of Sustainable Conservation at the beginning of 2026, coming to the organization from the Almond Board of California (ABC), where she served as Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer. At ABC, she oversaw its water stewardship programs and spearheaded the California Pollinator Coalition, a first-of-its-kind partnership among agriculture, conservation organizations, and government agencies to protect threatened pollinator species.

Lewis brings a specialized blend of leadership experience spanning government, academia, corporations, and nonprofits. With a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from UCLA, Lewis has spent her career working at the intersections of science, policy, and sustainability. Her past leadership roles include senior positions at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), UC Davis, and the Environmental Defense Fund. Across each, she focused on turning research into action, bridging divides, and building lasting partnerships to deliver ground-up impact.

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