As the Migratory Bird Program Coordinator for the Mountain-Prairie Region of the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), Brian provides leadership to biologists, joint venture coordinators, and Permits staff, both regionally and nationally, and works closely with partners and constituents on a wide array of migratory bird conservation issues. In his role on the PLJV board, he enjoys the forward-thinking and inclusive discussions among partners. Brian also appreciates the partnership striving to be visionary and bold while also pragmatic and grounded in approaches to conservation appropriate in a landscape that consists mostly of private working lands.

PLJV’s approach is in direct alignment with the USFWS mission of working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of people. Brian says this partnership enhances our collective ability to connect with people and communities through social science, helping to design and deliver conservation programs that speak directly to the values and interests of people that rely on the land in these states.

Prior to USFWS, Brian worked for American Bird Conservancy as the coordinator of the Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture and for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, serving stints as the agency’s Upland Game & Private Lands Coordinator and Wildlife Diversity Coordinator. He has a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management from Eastern Kentucky University and a master’s degree in raptor biology from Boise State University where he conducted Burrowing Owl research. He received his Ph.D. in forest resource sciences from West Virginia University where he studied Ruffed Grouse.

Brian lives in Lakewood, Colorado, with his wife and two children. He tries to get out on the prairies with his German Shorthaired Pointers as much as work and family will allow.