Staff:

Paul Austin, Executive Director

Member of Conservation Minnesota staff since:  2004   

Duties: Executive Director   

Education:  Degree in Economics and Government from Connecticut College 1988

Previous Experience:  Small-Town Mayor, Marketing Executive, Campaign Manager and Clinton Administration Appointee

Place of Birth: Charleston, West Virginia

Favorite Quote:     “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty” – Thomas Jefferson

Hobbies:  Hiking, Singing, Woodworking & Architecture

Favorite literature:  David Baldacci, John Grisham & Mysteries set in Minnesota

Favorite music/bands:  Ricky Skaggs, Free Range Pickin’, Kasey Chambers, Lloyd Cole, & They Might Be Giants (children’s music)

Favorite location in Minnesota:  The Dodge Nature Center, where I married a wonderful woman on a perfect October day.

Why I Work for Conservation Minnesota:  Because I can’t think of a better way to make sure our Minnesota’s lakes and great outdoors are here for my son to enjoy with his children.

Favorite way to spend a day:  Hiking anywhere there is a chance to spot a Moose.

Last big vacation:  Riding horses in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming

Heroes:  Harry Truman, Theodore Roosevelt

Family:  Wife Jenny, Sammy (18 months as of 1.09)