By Amanda Smith, public affairs officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pacific Region
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced Lisa Ellis as the new Idaho state supervisor. With over 20 years in conservation, Ellis has worked for the Service at the field, regional and national levels.
“We are lucky to have such an outstanding conservation leader join our team. This is a big job and I know she will bring creativity and excellence to support the team at the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Office,” says Kate Norman, assistant regional director for Ecological Services in the Service’s Pacific Region.
In January, Ellis will celebrate both her 15-year anniversary with the Service and her new position in the Pacific Region. Currently serving as the branch chief of recovery and conservation in planning in the Service’s Headquarters, Ellis oversees recovery and habitat conservation planning under the Endangered Species Act and facilitates partnerships with the Department of Defense. Ellis brings an impressive record of experience in natural resource management at every level. Prior to her role in Headquarters, she served in the Atlanta Regional Office as the deputy division chief of restoration and recovery, and as wildlife biologist in both the Sacramento Regional Office and the Sacramento Field Office.
A Wisconsin native, Ellis received her bachelor’s of science in zoology and conservation biology from the University of Wisconsin, and her master’s of science in biology from the Illinois State University. Before starting her career with the Service, Ellis worked for Arizona Game and Department as the state coordinator for the southwestern willow flycatcher and at the University of Arizona as researcher working with burrowing owls.
“It is no coincidence that my career path began with bird biology,” says Ellis. “Both of my parents were science teachers and many of my happiest childhood memories were outdoors learning about the natural world – especially lessons from my dad about birds!”
Ellis’ earliest memories are of a sense of awe at the natural world during a family vacation to Yellowstone to see Old Faithful and says she is looking forward to “getting back out West.” While she is eager to explore the many hiking and camping opportunities Idaho offers, she is most excited to do on-the-ground conservation with partners in the field.
“I can’t wait to really get to know Idaho – the place, the people, the wildlife – and to strengthen our conservation mission through partnership for future generations,” she said.
Latest Press Releases
