Recognition by Florida Trend’s “Florida 500” reflects the growing influence of conservation in shaping Florida's future.
ORLANDO, Fla. (November 12, 2026) — Conservation Florida President and CEO Traci Deen has been named to Florida Trend's 2026 Florida 500, recognizing her among the state's 500 most influential executives and leaders.
The annual publication recognizes individuals whose leadership, vision, and contributions are helping shape Florida's future. Spanning more than 60 business categories, the Florida 500 includes leaders from real estate, agriculture, tourism, healthcare, energy, finance, law, philanthropy, and more.
Selection to the Florida 500 follows an extensive editorial research process. Florida Trend's editorial team evaluates thousands of potential candidates through research, interviews and input from leaders across the state, considering professional accomplishments, demonstrated influence, community involvement and contributions beyond an individual's organization. The selection process is editorially independent, and advertising does not influence inclusion.
For Conservation Florida, Deen's recognition represents something larger than an individual achievement. It signals the growing influence of land conservation in statewide conversations about Florida's future and the importance of ensuring that protecting the state's wild and working lands has a seat at the table where consequential decisions are made.
"Florida is changing before our eyes, and I believe that we have a responsibility to be thoughtful about what we protect and what we leave behind," said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen. "As a sixth-generation Floridian, this work is deeply personal to me. I love this state, its wild places, its working lands, its waters, and the people and critters who call it home. I'm incredibly honored by this recognition, but what excites me most is what it represents. Conservation is increasingly part of the conversation about Florida's future, and that's exactly where it belongs."
Across Florida, there is a growing sense of urgency and shared purpose around protecting the places that make this state so unique. Floridians from all walks of life are making it clear that our waters, wildlife, and wild places are an essential part of who we are and what we value. That deep love of place is fueling a powerful conservation movement, one that transcends political and geographic boundaries and is increasingly shaping conversations about Florida's future.
Deen has served as president and CEO of Conservation Florida for nearly a decade, leading the statewide nonprofit through a period of significant growth and expanding its conservation impact throughout the Sunshine State. Appointed CEO at just 30 years old and as a practicing attorney, she has led more than $105 million in complex land conservation transactions statewide and conserved roughly 30,000 acres from coast to coast. Beyond her work in nonprofit leadership, transactional conservation, and public policy advocacy, Deen won an Emmy Award for her work co-producing Conservation Florida’s Protect Our Paradise six-part documentary series.
“Traci’s dedication, boundless energy and remarkable intelligence has been a catalyst for Conservation Florida over the last 10 years that she has led the organization,” said Conservation Florida Board of Directors Chair Justin Beck. “What began as a small group of passionate individuals in central Florida has grown into a statewide land conservancy that’s protecting Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes from the Keys to Florida’s great northwest. Traci’s recognition as one of Florida’s 500 is a testament to the importance of conservation in our state, to the stellar team she has built, and the dedicated philanthropist and volunteers that all come together to preserve this beautiful state we call home.”
With her leadership, Conservation Florida has emerged as a leading voice for the permanent protection of Florida's natural and agricultural lands, advancing innovative conservation strategies, building partnerships across traditional boundaries and helping elevate land conservation as a statewide priority. The organization also expanded its work beyond land protection, developing public education and outreach initiatives, while advancing public policies that support land conservation.
Her approach to conservation is rooted in a belief that protecting Florida's natural heritage is a shared responsibility, one that transcends political parties, industries, and geographic boundaries. At a time when Florida faces unprecedented pressure on its remaining natural lands, the recognition also underscores the importance of including conservation leaders in the decisions that will shape the state's next chapter.
"Conservation shouldn’t be an afterthought, or something we consider as a bonus only after decisions about Florida's future have already been made," said Deen. "Conservation should be a part of those decisions from the very beginning. We have an extraordinary state, and we have a real opportunity and responsibility to make sure that what remains of the wild Florida we love is still here for generations to come."
For Deen, this honor belongs to all Floridians who care about protecting wild Florida.
"This recognition belongs to our incredible team, our board and advisory councils, our supporters, our landowners, our partners, and every person who believes wild Florida is worth protecting," said Deen. "What connects us is a love for this place, and I think that's one of the most powerful things about conservation. No matter where we come from or what we do, we all share something worth protecting - our home."
To learn more about the Florida Trend 500 visit floridatrend500.com
To learn more about Conservation Florida's mission visit conservationfla.org
For more information, contact:
Sarah Shepard, Communications Director
About Conservation Florida
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places — the places that make Florida home. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved roughly 50,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy.