John’s professional career as an ecologist started here in Lee County in 1978 after receiving degrees in Biology and Fish and Wildlife. From 1978 to 2014 he has worked as a resource manager for local government, managing waterways of southwest Florida. He has authored both peer reviewed science publications and popular media sources on resource management, history, water policy and conservation issues. John is a courtesy faculty member at FGCU in the Department of Marine and Ecological Sciences with research interests in the areas of exotic species and biodiversity. His service on advisory boards, commitment to community and involvement with land and water conservation has received recognition from various civic groups, the Florida Audubon Society, Estero Bay Agency on Bay Management, Lee County Government, the Everglades Coalition, the American Fisheries Society, and the Alberta provincial government. John’s expertise as a fisheries scientist and water manager has been sought as a consultant to private industry, government and academia. He considers becoming the first Calusa Waterkeeper a great honor and responsibility and looks forward to sharing his knowledge of area waters with the current and next generation of waterway stewards.