Brian Kurzel

About Brian Kurzel

What Drives MeI believe that authentic human relationships can and must be the foundation for positive change in this world. I thrive with opportunities to integrate varying perspectives to identify common ground and forge durable solutions. I believe that the human and ecological benefits of conserving our natural world are universal, and with the right combination of trust, innovation, strategy, and collaboration, the world will be a better place for our children.My Areas of ExpertiseDeveloping, building, and empowering an effective team through servant leadership; accomplishing big goals in a way that each team member can say “I did this”. Providing conservation strategy and leadership built on decades of experience in science, policy, on-the-ground implementation, and advocacy. Building effective, cross-cutting coalitions and partnerships through relationships and trust that include diverse perspectives and prioritize listening and adaptive learning. Raising funding and building sustainable infrastructures to launch innovative programs and grow their impact. What Sets Me ApartI am an authentic and charismatic leader who applies 20+ years of nonprofit and government experience to deliver durable conservation solutions at the local, state, regional, and national scale.I have built effective partnerships across the conservation spectrum with an appreciation of diverse perspectives and a recognition of when I need to step up or step back. I know how to build and develop great teams, effectively manage them to achieve goals, and provide the resources and support they need to succeed.

Experience

1. Regional Executive Director

   National Wildlife Federation

   Jun 2015 — Present · Denver, CO, US

   Provide executive leadership to a cross-cutting team to achieve durable conservation solutions in the Rocky Mountains and beyond. Build partnerships and relationships across the conservation spectrum in the West while providing vision, strategic leadership, and substantial philanthropic success.• Executive leadership of all aspects of mission-delivery and operations of an eight-state region overseeing multiple national or regional wildlife conservation and education programs.• Establish goals, objectives, and strategies for implementation of NWF’s Strategic Plan in the Rocky Mountains, with ultimate accountability for implementation and success of NWF’s work.• Develop and manage a budget to achieve goals, increasing budget 5x and diversifying funding sources.• Lead NWF staff through multiple organizational transitions and crises while stabilizing teams and building a healthy culture.• Model and implement inclusive practices that diversified and strengthened NWFs conservation work.• Serve as primary spokesperson and ambassador in 8 states through verbal and written communication.• Build and cultivate multiple partnerships and collaboratives with a diversity of stakeholders to effectively advance conservation goals.• Provide expertise on wildlife conservation priorities, public lands management, and education and engagement programs.• Manage 30 staff in multiple units, including growth of multiple programs from regional to national scope.

Education

• Cornell University

  Bachelor's of Science, Ecology

  1993 — 1997

• University of Colorado Boulder

  Master's of Science, Geography

  2002 — 2004

Skills

• Environmental Awareness
• Supervisory Skills
• Environmental Issues
• Policy Analysis
• Natural Resources
• Environmental Policy
• Strategic Planning
• Operating Budgets
• Strategic Financial Planning
• Policy
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Education
• Public Outreach
• Public Speaking
• Gps
• Ecological Restoration
• Biodiversity
• Land Conservation
• Interagency Coordination
• Grant Writing
• Ecology
• Building Conservation
• Supervisory Experience
• Environmental Compliance
• Conservation Issues
• Wildlife Conservation
• Sustainability
• Public Policy
• Wetlands
• Nepa
• Natural Resource Management
• Plant Identification
• Science Outreach
• Team Leadership
• Water Resources
• Endangered Species
• Nonprofits
• Botany
• Conservation Biology
• Wildlife