Elizabeth Silkes, CEO, Grand Canyon Conservancy

Elizabeth Silkes joined Grand Canyon Conservancy as Chief Executive Officer in February 2025, bringing a dynamic vision and a strong commitment to strengthening the organization’s role as the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park.

In her first year, she led GCC through a period of extraordinary challenge and opportunity, guiding the organization’s response to both the devastating Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim and a prolonged federal government shutdown. Under her leadership, GCC acted with agility and purpose, supporting recovery efforts, sustaining critical programs, and ensuring visitors could continue to experience the canyon in meaningful ways despite disruptions.

Silkes has brought renewed energy and innovation to GCC, deepening its partnership with the park and strengthening connections with the broader Grand Canyon community. She has championed new approaches to community engagement and philanthropy, expanding events, enhancing fundraising strategies, and elevating GCC’s role as a vital bridge between the park and the people who care about it. Her leadership continues to position GCC for greater impact in protecting and preserving Grand Canyon for generations to come.

Prior to joining GCC, Silkes served as Executive Director of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience (ICSC), where she oversaw a global network of more than 370 museums, historic sites, and memory initiatives across 80 countries. In that role, she advanced civic engagement, supported human rights, and fostered international collaboration through innovative programs and exhibitions. She has also served on the board of ICOM-US, the U.S. National Committee of the International Council of Museums; as an International Advisor to the Accounts of the Conflict project at the University of Ulster INCORE; as an international advisor to UNESCO; and as a member of the Law Advisory Council for the Fetzer Institute.