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This just in … Chrisman to head new National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Southwest Partnership office; Distinguished former head of California Natural Resources Agency to lead major program expansion in six-state region

Posted by: Maven on January 5, 2010 at 6:35 pm

chrismanFrom The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF):

“WASHINGTON – The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced that Mike Chrisman, the California Secretary for Natural Resources since 2003, has been named the director of its new Southwestern Partnership Office. Based in San Francisco, Chrisman will oversee program development in a region that includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah.

“It is difficult to match Mike’s depth of experience as an administrator and natural resource steward anywhere in this country,” said Jeff Trandahl, NFWF executive director. “His addition to our team represents a significant infusion of talent and passion that will pay huge dividends for the fish and wildlife resources of the Southwest.

“Time and again, Mike has proven himself extremely adept at bringing diverse interests to the table and fostering productive dialogue that advances the cause of conservation,” said Trandahl. “Because partnership building represents the core of the Foundation’s work, we fully expect that Mike will take our programs to new heights throughout the Southwest.”

In its first 25 years, NFWF has made noteworthy investments in several landmark conservation initiatives throughout the Southwest, such as the ongoing efforts to bring the California condor back from the brink of extinction and the establishment of land trusts led by ranchers and farmers in California, Colorado and the Malpai Borderlands of Arizona and New Mexico. In 2009 alone, the Foundation made 53 grant awards totaling $4.13 million in the six Southwestern states. By building partnerships in both the public and private sectors, the Foundation was able to leverage those investments into a total of more than $11 million for conservation.

“While the Foundation has a long track record of grantmaking in the Southwest and has maintained staff in California for a decade,” said Trandahl, “the hiring of Mike Chrisman represents a new high-water mark for the Foundation’s involvement in the region. Our growing work to improve San Francisco Bay, the Klamath watershed and the meadows of the high Sierra – to cite only a few examples in his home state – will get a major boost from Mike’s base of knowledge and experience.”

A fourth-generation Californian and long-time rancher and farmer, Chrisman has served as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s chief advisor on issues related to the state’s natural, historic and cultural resources. Prior to joining the governor’s cabinet, Chrisman served as Region Manager for Southern California Edison from 1996 to 2003. He also served as Undersecretary for the California Department of Food and Agriculture from 1994 to 1996. In 1997, Gov. Pete Wilson appointed Chrisman to the California Fish and Game Commission, where he also served as Chairman of the Wildlife Conservation Board. From 1991 to 1994, he served at the Natural Resources Agency as Deputy Secretary for Operations and Legislation.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is an independent conservation leader that in 25 years has awarded 10,800 grants to more than 3,700 organizations. By building partnerships, the congressionally chartered Foundation has leveraged $635 million into $1.5 billion to sustain, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant populations. “

January 5, 2010 · Filed Under People in the News

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