2024 ARCHIVES | Plenary Session | Monday, April 22, 2024
- 8:30 AM | Welcome Remarks
- 8:45 AM | Leopold’s Land Ethic Reimagined — Sara Parker Pauley, Missouri Department Conservation Director
- 9:15 AM | Vision 2050: Setting Biodiversity Conservation Goals for the Commonwealth — Tom O’Shea, Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game Commissioner
- 9:40 AM | Panel Discussion: Building a Movement for Biodiversity Conservation — Moderated by Stephanie Cooper, Undersecretary for the Environment for Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environment, featuring:
- Tom O’Shea, Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game Commissioner
- Jocelyn Forbush, Mass Audubon Chief Conservation Officer
- Chris McGuire, The Nature Conservancy Ocean Program Director
- Talia Landry, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Natural Resources Department Director
- Chris Borgatti, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Eastern Policy and Conservation Manager
- Tom O’Shea, Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game Commissioner
- 10:15 AM | Refreshment Break and Visit with Exhibitors
- 10:45 AM | Our Nature, Our Future — Jeff Corwin
- 11:15 AM | Advancing Conservation Advocacy — Chris Borgatti, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Eastern Policy and Conservation Manager
- 11:30 AM | Invite, Engage, Empower: Creating Your Conservation Movement — Brooke Tully
About the Plenary Presenters

Sara Parker Pauley
Sara Parker Pauley has served as the ninth director of the Missouri Department of Conservation since 2016. A native of Columbia, Pauley received both her law degree and bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri – Columbia, and did post-graduate studies in Australia as a Rotary Fellow. She previously served as director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources since 2010. She has worked as project manager for D.J. Case & Associates, a natural resources communications firm, and as a deputy director for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. She has been an instructor at the University of Missouri’s School of Natural Resources, teaching a course in natural resource policy and administration. Pauley began her professional career as a Policy Analyst with the Missouri Department of Conservation from 1993–1996. Over the years, though her career path varied, it has never strayed far from her personal desire to be engaged in the stewardship of Missouri’s natural resources.
Sara Parker Pauley has served as the ninth director of the Missouri Department of Conservation since 2016. A native of Columbia, Pauley received both her law degree and bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri – Columbia, and did post-graduate studies in Australia as a Rotary Fellow. She previously served as director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources since 2010. She has worked as project manager for D.J. Case & Associates, a natural resources communications firm, and as a deputy director for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. She has been an instructor at the University of Missouri’s School of Natural Resources, teaching a course in natural resource policy and administration. Pauley began her professional career as a Policy Analyst with the Missouri Department of Conservation from 1993–1996. Over the years, though her career path varied, it has never strayed far from her personal desire to be engaged in the stewardship of Missouri’s natural resources.

Tom O’Shea
As the Commissioner of Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, Tom leads the state agency responsible for the conservation and management of the Commonwealth's natural resources and habitats. Tom came to the Commonwealth from The Trustees, Massachusetts’ largest preservation and conservation nonprofit, where he was the Vice President of Conservation and Resilience. Before The Trustees, Tom served as Assistant Director of Wildlife and Southeast District Manager for the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife overseeing the Division’s biodiversity and forestry initiatives, relationships with the sporting community, as well as advancing regulatory and public policies for hunting and outdoor recreation, and science-based management of wildlife populations statewide. With over 25 years of experience in the field of forestry, wildlife, and coastal and natural resources, Tom has a proven track record of innovating and delivering solutions that balance environmental, social, and economic goals. A graduate of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, Yale School of Environment, and the University of Maine, Tom is also an avid outdoorsman and triathlete who resides in Holden with his wife and son.
As the Commissioner of Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, Tom leads the state agency responsible for the conservation and management of the Commonwealth's natural resources and habitats. Tom came to the Commonwealth from The Trustees, Massachusetts’ largest preservation and conservation nonprofit, where he was the Vice President of Conservation and Resilience. Before The Trustees, Tom served as Assistant Director of Wildlife and Southeast District Manager for the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife overseeing the Division’s biodiversity and forestry initiatives, relationships with the sporting community, as well as advancing regulatory and public policies for hunting and outdoor recreation, and science-based management of wildlife populations statewide. With over 25 years of experience in the field of forestry, wildlife, and coastal and natural resources, Tom has a proven track record of innovating and delivering solutions that balance environmental, social, and economic goals. A graduate of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, Yale School of Environment, and the University of Maine, Tom is also an avid outdoorsman and triathlete who resides in Holden with his wife and son.

Jocelyn Forbush
Jocelyn is Mass Audubon’s first Chief Conservation Officer. Jocelyn, who most recently served as Senior Advisor for Arts & Culture grantmaking with Fidelity Foundation, leads Mass Audubon’s efforts to protect and restore resilient landscapes, conserve wildlife, and drive nature-based climate solutions across the Commonwealth. Overseeing the land protection and conservation science departments, she oversees conservation strategies and investments, builds both government and non-governmental partnerships, and helps guide growing ecological restoration and coastal resilience programs across the Commonwealth.
Jocelyn is Mass Audubon’s first Chief Conservation Officer. Jocelyn, who most recently served as Senior Advisor for Arts & Culture grantmaking with Fidelity Foundation, leads Mass Audubon’s efforts to protect and restore resilient landscapes, conserve wildlife, and drive nature-based climate solutions across the Commonwealth. Overseeing the land protection and conservation science departments, she oversees conservation strategies and investments, builds both government and non-governmental partnerships, and helps guide growing ecological restoration and coastal resilience programs across the Commonwealth.

Christopher McGuire
Chris directs the Ocean Program for The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts. He is focused on implementing collaborative solutions to pressing fisheries and ocean conservation challenges. Chris has led fisheries monitoring initiatives, has been the principal investigator on research on iconic species like Atlantic cod and halibut, and is a leader for the Conservancy’s work on offshore wind and biodiversity net gain initiatives. He serves on state and federal committees, including chairing both the New England Fisheries Management Council’s Habitat Advisory Panel and the Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary Advisory Council. Before joining the Conservancy in 2011 he was a research vessel captain for more than a decade. He has a B.A. from Connecticut College, earned his Masters in Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island, and holds a 1600 Ton US Coast Guard Ocean Master’s License.
Chris directs the Ocean Program for The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts. He is focused on implementing collaborative solutions to pressing fisheries and ocean conservation challenges. Chris has led fisheries monitoring initiatives, has been the principal investigator on research on iconic species like Atlantic cod and halibut, and is a leader for the Conservancy’s work on offshore wind and biodiversity net gain initiatives. He serves on state and federal committees, including chairing both the New England Fisheries Management Council’s Habitat Advisory Panel and the Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary Advisory Council. Before joining the Conservancy in 2011 he was a research vessel captain for more than a decade. He has a B.A. from Connecticut College, earned his Masters in Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island, and holds a 1600 Ton US Coast Guard Ocean Master’s License.

Talia Landry
Talia is a Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Citizen, from the people of the first light located in Mashpee, Massachusetts. Talia is a culture/history educator and independent videographer. She also holds the role as grants manager in the Mashpee Wampanoag Education department where she implements cultural and academic programs for the tribal youth. She is the youth advisor for the newly formed rights of nature youth group called the Mashpee Native Environmental Ambassadors. Her work focuses on preserving our homelands, rights of nature, land rematriation, cultural revitalization, native sovereignty, and native student advocacy. Talia’s passion lies in her culture and using her expertise to guide youth and advocate for rights of nature, Native American Tribal Justice Issues, tribal youth, education, and equality.
Talia is a Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Citizen, from the people of the first light located in Mashpee, Massachusetts. Talia is a culture/history educator and independent videographer. She also holds the role as grants manager in the Mashpee Wampanoag Education department where she implements cultural and academic programs for the tribal youth. She is the youth advisor for the newly formed rights of nature youth group called the Mashpee Native Environmental Ambassadors. Her work focuses on preserving our homelands, rights of nature, land rematriation, cultural revitalization, native sovereignty, and native student advocacy. Talia’s passion lies in her culture and using her expertise to guide youth and advocate for rights of nature, Native American Tribal Justice Issues, tribal youth, education, and equality.

Christopher Borgatti
Chris is the Eastern Policy and Conservation Manager for Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. A Massachusetts local, Chris went from a high school science teacher to one of the most important conservation leaders in the northeast. Chris was born and raised in the suburbs west of Boston and spent most of his childhood fishing after school and exploring the Charles River. He has long recognized the role public lands and waters have played in his outdoor passions. Chris previously worked as a project engineer for an environmental engineering firm and then had a lengthy career as a high school biology and AP environmental science teacher. Outside the classroom, he led students on outdoor adventure trips – typically with a heavy dose of backcountry fishing – to some of America’s best public lands in the East, West, and Alaska, plus destinations in Europe, Central and South America. Chris began hunting later in life, and is now an avid hunter, spending most of free time waterfowl or archery deer hunting on public land. Chris served on the BHA New England Chapter Board for 3 years before joining the staff in 2021.
Chris is the Eastern Policy and Conservation Manager for Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. A Massachusetts local, Chris went from a high school science teacher to one of the most important conservation leaders in the northeast. Chris was born and raised in the suburbs west of Boston and spent most of his childhood fishing after school and exploring the Charles River. He has long recognized the role public lands and waters have played in his outdoor passions. Chris previously worked as a project engineer for an environmental engineering firm and then had a lengthy career as a high school biology and AP environmental science teacher. Outside the classroom, he led students on outdoor adventure trips – typically with a heavy dose of backcountry fishing – to some of America’s best public lands in the East, West, and Alaska, plus destinations in Europe, Central and South America. Chris began hunting later in life, and is now an avid hunter, spending most of free time waterfowl or archery deer hunting on public land. Chris served on the BHA New England Chapter Board for 3 years before joining the staff in 2021.

Jeff Corwin
For nearly three decades, Jeff Corwin has been telling stories of wildlife and nature to a global audience through his many celebrated television series on ABC, NBC, Travel Channel, CNN, Food Network, Disney Channel, and Discovery Networks. Jeff is currently the creator, executive producer, and presenter of the groundbreaking television series Wildlife Nation, which debuted as the top-rated TV program on ABC in October 2021. Wildlife Nation explores the remarkable story of North American conservation. Season two, Wildlife Nation: Expedition Florida, focuses on the wild treasures unique to the Sunshine State. It's the first television series for a major broadcast network, highlighting Florida's wild wonders and is the first produced in partnership with a Native American tribal community, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. Jeff’s television work has been awarded multiple Emmys and the top broadcast industry awards. Jeff’s acclaimed NBC documentary and book, 100 Heartbeats, engaged both the readers and broadcast audience in the 21st Century plight of endangered species. Jeff is also the author of 10 books on wildlife and nature, including Living on the Edge, Amazing Relationships in the Nature World. When Jeff is not exploring the world, you can find him at his island home off of Cape Cod, where he exercises his maritime muscles as a passionate commercial fisherman.
For nearly three decades, Jeff Corwin has been telling stories of wildlife and nature to a global audience through his many celebrated television series on ABC, NBC, Travel Channel, CNN, Food Network, Disney Channel, and Discovery Networks. Jeff is currently the creator, executive producer, and presenter of the groundbreaking television series Wildlife Nation, which debuted as the top-rated TV program on ABC in October 2021. Wildlife Nation explores the remarkable story of North American conservation. Season two, Wildlife Nation: Expedition Florida, focuses on the wild treasures unique to the Sunshine State. It's the first television series for a major broadcast network, highlighting Florida's wild wonders and is the first produced in partnership with a Native American tribal community, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. Jeff’s television work has been awarded multiple Emmys and the top broadcast industry awards. Jeff’s acclaimed NBC documentary and book, 100 Heartbeats, engaged both the readers and broadcast audience in the 21st Century plight of endangered species. Jeff is also the author of 10 books on wildlife and nature, including Living on the Edge, Amazing Relationships in the Nature World. When Jeff is not exploring the world, you can find him at his island home off of Cape Cod, where he exercises his maritime muscles as a passionate commercial fisherman.

Brooke Tully
Brooke Tully helps conservationists use behavioral insights and communication strategies to motivate audiences to take action and change behaviors. She does this by bringing together best practices from her work in commercial advertising, insights from the behavioral and social sciences, and her first-hand experience implementing conservation programs. Brooke spent the first decade of her career working in ad agencies, such as Ogilvy, helping clients reach target audiences to build brand awareness, change preferences, and sell products. In 2007, she joined the NGO Rare where she designed and implemented behavior change campaigns that inspired local communities in Mongolia, Thailand, Laos, and the Philippines to adopt more sustainable fishing and hunting practices. Operating independently since 2016, Brooke offers workshops, online courses, and consulting services that provide practical steps for designing communication and outreach plans that create conservation movements. brooketully.com
Brooke Tully helps conservationists use behavioral insights and communication strategies to motivate audiences to take action and change behaviors. She does this by bringing together best practices from her work in commercial advertising, insights from the behavioral and social sciences, and her first-hand experience implementing conservation programs. Brooke spent the first decade of her career working in ad agencies, such as Ogilvy, helping clients reach target audiences to build brand awareness, change preferences, and sell products. In 2007, she joined the NGO Rare where she designed and implemented behavior change campaigns that inspired local communities in Mongolia, Thailand, Laos, and the Philippines to adopt more sustainable fishing and hunting practices. Operating independently since 2016, Brooke offers workshops, online courses, and consulting services that provide practical steps for designing communication and outreach plans that create conservation movements. brooketully.com