The Metcalf Foundation is pleased to announce Dr. Jennie Knopp as our new Environment Program Director, effective June 8, 2026.

Jennie joins Metcalf following her role as Director of Science and Stewardship at Oceans North, where she led conservation initiatives in partnership with Indigenous governments, communities, scientists, and policymakers to protect ecologically and culturally significant ecosystems. While at Oceans North, she was seconded to National Geographic Pristine Seas as an Expedition Leader and Policy Director, leading one of the program’s most logistically complex expeditions in Canada’s Arctic. That work helped advance Indigenous-led protected areas and elevate Arctic conservation on the global stage.

“What drew us to Jennie is the breadth of what she’s done — from scientific fieldwork in the Arctic to securing major conservation investments to building policy solutions alongside Indigenous governments. That combination of hands-on experience and strategic leadership is exactly what our 10-year Environment strategy calls for. We are delighted to welcome her to the Metcalf team,” said Jamison Steeve, President & CEO of the Metcalf Foundation.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Metcalf Foundation. The depth of relationships Metcalf has built with Indigenous leaders, governments, and conservation organizations across Canada is admirable — and rare. I’ve long respected the Foundation’s ability to convene people around ambitious, solutions-focused work, and I’m excited to now contribute directly to that impact,” said Jennie Knopp. “I care deeply about conservation that strengthens communities and supports Indigenous-led stewardship, and that’s exactly what this work is about.”

Over her career, Jennie has built programs and campaigns focused on conservation, governance, and human rights, working alongside Indigenous leaders, governments, philanthropy, and civil society. She has played a leading role in securing major investments for protected and conserved areas, advancing policy solutions, and developing collaborative approaches that bridge Indigenous Knowledge and western science. Her doctoral research at Trent University examined community-based Arctic monitoring through the integration of Inuit and western scientific knowledge. She holds a BSc in Biology from the University of Guelph and a PhD from Trent University.