Marek Smith

Marek Smith serves as the North America Fire Director and Fire Networks Co-Director at The Nature Conservancy, where they lead initiatives to foster collaboration among practitioners, Indigenous knowledge keepers, and community leaders in fire management. Previously, Marek directed the US Fire Learning Network and oversaw conservation efforts in Virginia as the Allegheny Highlands Program Director. Marek's extensive background includes roles at the U.S. Forest Service and Mecklenburg County, NC, focusing on environmental education and natural resources. They hold a bachelor's degree in biology from Virginia Tech and a master's in conservation biology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In their personal time, Marek enjoys cycling, running, and cooking.