As a senior manager, I integrate the WRC’s research, Extension, and education activities to advance knowledge and improve the quality and value of water resources in Minnesota, nationally, and around the world.I provide strategic direction and financial management for several program teams, including the Extension Water Resources Team and the Onsite Sewage Treatment Program. In this role, I also supervise 15 direct reports, including technical leads, communications staff, and administrative support position.

I led USDA efforts to integrate climate change impacts and responses into agriculture, forestry, and natural resource decision-making. I advised the Director of the Climate Change Program Office on climate change policy and issues, including integration of climate change adaptation and mitigation into USDA agency and program decision-making. I developed policy recommendations based on data analysis and input from a variety of stakeholders, including USDA agencies, industry groups, and conservation organizations.

I translated science into useable tools and information to ensure that agricultural, forestry, and rural communities incorporate resilience planning, adaptive management, and smart infrastructure into their decision-making. I supervised a staff of six, including scientists, communications professionals, and IT specialists, ensuring that they work as a highly effective team by focusing on staff development, building technical expertise, and advancing a progressive workplace culture. I coordinated with a variety of external partners, including universities, private companies, state governments, Tribal communities, and other Federal agencies to achieve common goals by leveraging their expertise and knowledge.

I advised the Assistant Director and Deputy Assistant Director and served as his primary point-of-contact on budget, policy, and personnel decisions. I coordinated a staff of 17 managers across 8 divisions to support personnel decisions, develop policy, and oversee budgets in excess of $375 million annually. I coordinated high priority workload projects, responsibilities, and initiatives for the Resources and Planning Directorate, the BLM, and the DOI, including Greater Sage-Grouse conservation efforts and other landscape-scale initiatives.

I helped BLM leadership and staff analyze the social and economic impacts of their land use decisions. To do so, I developed guidance, case studies, and training materials that are still in use today. I led the development and executed of the BLM's first Socioeconomic Strategic Plan, from outreach and scoping to implementation and reporting.

I collaborated with research team members on National Science Foundation grant examining state differences in the adoption of emerging energy technologies, including wind energy and carbon capture and sequestration. I developed an analysis framework for qualitative and quantitative assessment of stakeholder interviews. I authored literature reviews, methodologies, and syntheses for peer-reviewed publications and conferences.

I created and taught a community education curriculum to help local residents understand their rights and responsibilities under recent changes to forest management laws. I worked with KEEP leadership to develop budgets and work plans for the organizations income-generating projects, including eco-tourism, tree nurseries, butterfly farms, and beekeeping.