Agenda 11-11-2021; 6 - Orange County Parks and Recreation Council – Appointment Discussion

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Diversity of Viewpoints Board #2 I feel that I can bring an unique perspective as a young woman with experience in natural resources work across the rural/urban divide. My background in state government policy and decision making proved a real asset in my time on the Durham Environmental Affairs Board. Conflict of Interest Board #2 I am currently employed by North Carolina State University but not working directly on natural resource issues so I do not expect many potential conflicts of interest. Reasons Want to Serve Board #3 I am looking for opportunities to serve my community with my particular expertise in the management of natural resource and my interest in pursuing conservation through an environmental justice lens. Relevant Experience Board #3 I am a Certified Wildlife Biologist with a B.S and M.S. in Wildlife Management/Science. I spent 4 years working with The Nature Conservancy and 5 years with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission before stepping into my current work in leadership development at NC State University where I am the Assistant Director of the Caldwell Fellows. Prior to moving to Orange County I was a County Appointee to the Durham City County Environmental Affairs Board, a position I hated leaving when we decided to purchase a home in northern Orange County. I have extensive volunteer experience with groups such as the Triangle Land Conservancy. I am also a trained meeting facilitator and event planner and I have been involved personally and professionally in local and state government advocacy and decision making processes, primarily related to land conservation, ordinance development, and climate policy making. I have extensive experience with grant writing and grant making in the non profit and government spheres. While at the NC Wildlife Resources Commission I was the agency's land acquisition manager and have deep familiarity with local and state land conservation programs and the administration of these programs for both species management and public recreation. I was a co-chair of the Forestry Committee of the team that developed North Carolina's Natural and Working Lands Plan for addressing climate change. Diversity of Viewpoints Board #3 I feel that I can bring an unique perspective as a young woman with experience in natural resources work across the rural/urban divide. My background in state government policy and decision making proved a real asset in my time on the Durham Environmental Affairs Board. Conflict of Interest Board #3 I am currently employed by North Carolina State University but not working directly on natural resource issues so I do not expect many potential conflicts of interest. Past Service I served on the Durham City County Environmental Affairs Board for one term, departing because my family moved from Durham to Orange Counties in late 2020. Demographics We ask your help in assuring diversity of membership by answering the following questions: Jessie L Birckhead 11