Source: US Geological Survey
Doug has received numerous accolades for his leadership in the federal climate space, including the 2021 Climate Adaptation Leadership Award (Federal Government category) from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, recognizing his “outstanding efforts to increase the resilience of America’s valuable living natural resources and help sustain the many people, communities, and businesses that depend on them.” He has also been awarded many USGS and DOI recognitions, most recently the Superior Service Award of the Department of the Interior for his leadership role in producing the USGS Climate Science Plan in 2023.
He has also become an important figure on the international stage, injecting USGS science into conversations on global stewardship and biodiversity. He has organized and led multi-national meetings, such as the 2024 World Fisheries Congress, chaired and co-chaired working groups with the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), and been a frequent panelist and attendee of the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) meeting of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
“Doug’s understated approach to navigating the complex landscape of science diplomacy is so incredibly effective,” says National CASC Research Fish Biologist Abby Lynch. “He has had an outsized influence on the development of major initiatives at national and international scales.”
There has never been a CASC network without Doug. As he moves on to his next phase, CASC staff reflect on how he has impacted their work and careers.
“Doug has been an inspiration among staff of all experience levels in our program, especially for his patience, political savvy, and charming mid-western demeanor,” says Shawn Carter, Chief Scientist of the National CASC. “His thoughtful and cool-headed leadership have garnered universal support for our program.”
“Doug has been an impactful mentor, role model, colleague, and friend. I am thankful for his guidance and support of my own career, and I hope that I can continue to apply what I’ve learned from him to support natural resources.” – Abby Lynch, Research Fish Biologist, National CASC
“Doug is an unassuming yet masterful strategist, building and positioning an innovative program that has made countless advancements in knowledge and application to challenging natural resource issues across the Nation,” says Molly Cross, Regional Administrator of the North Central CASC.
Fifteen years after that first unexpected meeting, Doug is still in a bit of disbelief how a “fish guy” like him become a foremost climate expert within the USGS and an international expert in global biodiversity issues.
“It’s been an honor to work for the American people,” he says.
Doug, we wish you all the best!