Robin Underwood, CFA manages the Exchange to deliver funding to the landowner, offer a financial incentive to the buyer, and promote conservation of valuable natural resources. She brings over twenty years experience as an investment analyst and financial planner to the conservation field. She directed the Open Space Protection Collaborative, a three year project funded by the John S and James L Knight Foundation, to assist land trusts in their work with landowners and conservation organizations. Underwood brings a valuable perspective to the conservation field that integrates public and private interests.

In addition to managing the Exchange, Underwood consults with landowners and their financial advisors regarding income and estate tax incentives. Underwood holds a Master of Science degree in Financial Asset Management.  She has published articles on conservation in Journal of Financial Planning, Journal of Financial Service Professionals, and essays on local urbanism in What’s Right About Our Region.  Underwood is an alumna of the Center for Whole Communities and recipient of the 2007 Girl Scouts Women of Distinction award in Environmental Leadership.