Michael Schmidt

About Michael Schmidt

Leader, expert strategist, manager, communicator, process facilitator, and collaborator…

Experience

1. Center Director

   U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

   Sep 2021 — Present · US

   Lead USGS Western Fisheries Research Center ($17.5M budget), with geography spanning 6 states and the entire Pacific Coast. Oversee the work of ~100 staff across 5 locations (3 laboratories and 2 field stations). Responsible for all aspects of leadership, administration, operation, and management of the Center. This includes aquatic ecology and health science leadership, strategic planning and guidance; partnership development; communications/outreach; maintaining financial health; staff management; and ensuring our IT and facilities fulfill science needs. Work closely with regional and headquarter leadership to ensure the Center is appropriately aligned with bureau/agency priorities. Constantly work to ensure science directly contributes to improving natural resource management.

Education

• University of Washington

  Masters, Marine Affairs

  2002 — 2004

• University of Miami

  BA, Marine Affairs

  1994 — 1997

Skills

• Environmental Policy
• Fisheries Science
• Technological Solutions
• Operating Budgets
• Fisheries Management
• Program Implementation
• Project Scope Development
• Marine Biology
• Fundraising
• Communication
• Facilitated Process
• Project Coordination
• Program Facilitation
• Grants
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Report Writing
• Technical Writing
• Delivering Workshops
• Project Management
• Workshop Facilitation
• Fisheries
• Grant Writing
• Leadership
• Natural Resource Management
• Workshop Development