ROB FISHER fisher@ecoconservation.org
 Rob Fisher is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Ecological Conservation Organization (ECO). Mr. Fisher has spent his entire career working to protect and improve natural resources throughout the world. Prior to Directing ECO, Rob Fisher worked as the Southeast Director of Wetland, Water, and Forest Resources for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) in Atlanta, Georgia. Before joining NWF, he served as the Director of Conservation for the National Audubon Society in the Arkansas Office, where he led state and federal policy programs and developed wetland and stream restoration projects, as well as education and conservation initiatives- including the Fourche Creek Watershed Initiative. Rob served as the Director of Audubon Arkansas' Important Bird Areas Program and as the Appropriations and Farm Bill lobbyist. Mr. Fisher has also developed numerous watershed restoration plans for the state of Arkansas and EPA for “Federally Listed Impaired Waterbodies”. Prior to joining the staff of Audubon, Rob worked at American Rivers in Washington, D.C., on environmental initiatives and providing Geographical Information Systems and Writing support for the organization, where he developed the most comprehensive inventory of dams in the U.S. - data that is still in use by the United Nations for resource assessment. From 1998-2000, Rob worked with the National Forest Service and Stephen F. Austin University to evaluate environmental impacts in national forests. Rob is the Co-Founder and President of the Arkansas Nature Alliance, a non-profit organization committed to environmental justice and working to conserve Arkansas’ natural resources. He has served as environmental advisor and helped create policy for such dignitaries as NY Attorney General, Andrew Cuomo and U.S. Senator Mark Pryor. Rob holds a B.S. from Henderson State University in Arkansas and a Masters in Forest Science from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. Rob studied in Washington State and the National Institute for Health in Maryland, and has published research on Dam Removal and Environmental Enrichment. Mr. Fisher formerly served as an Adjunct Professor for the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, and is a Governor Appointed Commissioner on the Climate Change Commission. Rob is a proud activist and Board Member of the "Free West Memphis 3" efforts, and is a committed steward of the environment.
DANIEL DEVUN devun@ecoconservation.org
 Daniel is native to Arkansas and grew-up exploring the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains’ waterways. He attributes these adventures to shaping his passion and desire for an understanding of the natural world. He has a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with an emphasis on Environmental Planning and Biology. Prior to ECO, Daniel worked for National Audubon Society with the primary responsibility of restoring urban wetlands. He implemented and managed the Fourche Creek Restoration Project, assisted in the management of Wetland Reserve Programs, developed work plans, monitoring plans, and restoration plans which included public outreach and education. Preceding his work at Audubon, Daniel worked for Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission where he played a role in monitoring, tracking, and projecting the State’s groundwater levels. Daniel plays many roles at ECO. However, his passion and motivation is fixed on an ability to conduct sound environmental research and restoration, which promotes progressive ecological management of Arkansas’ natural resources.
 JEFF WARD jward@econservation.org Jeff has worked several years with ECO conducting a variety of projects. As a devout outdoorsman and growing up in the central Ozarks, Jeff has spent much time enjoying the quality and vitality that the resources of the natural state provide. He has distinguished knowledge in the dynamics and constituents of our waterways and a first-rate understanding of their associated ecosystems. Jeff has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Arkansas State University and is currently working on a Master’s degree in Geosciences with an emphasis in Hydrology at the University of Arkansas. Jeff is currently leading an intensive monitoring project that is looking at the water quality of the West Fork of the White River. He also manages the ECO Water Lab located in Fayetteville. Prior to his association with ECO Jeff traveled much of the Western U.S. and lived in Portland, Oregon where he taught high school chemistry and physics. He accredits much of his travels to his inspiration to return to Arkansas to be involved in the protection of the beauty our natural state has to offer.
Claire LaFrance claire@ecoconservation.org
 Claire LaFrance is the Policy Associate fro ECO and the Executive Director of the Arkansas Earth Day Foundation. Prior to this position, Claire relocated to Arkansas to work at the Heifer International Learning Center Ranch teaching experiential education around issues of hunger, poverty and caring for the earth. Claire holds a B.A. in Political Science from Wheaton College in Massachusetts. Prior to moving to Arkansas, Mrs. LaFrance has worked for local non profits in the Boston area tackling such issues as beach preservation and restoration, immigrant worker's rights, and water privatization.
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