Jason Meyer

Experience

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  Purdue University

  Aug 1999 - May 2003

  Graduate Student

  Participated in the design and implementation of a NSF-funded environmental science institute for pre-service and in-service teachers across the country. Helped teachers utilize inquiry-based hands-on environmental science instruction that met local, state, and national science education standards. Conducted program evaluation and other research that led to various co-authored publications in peer-reviewed journals. Made presentations at local, state, and national education meetings.

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  Michigan State University

  Jan 2003 - Jan 2005

  Graduate Student

  During a graduate assistantship, served as a science and social studies instructor in the Michigan State University High School Equivalency Program (MSU HEP) for several semesters. This program assisted migrant farmworkers and their families as they pursued their GEDs.

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  Southern California Mountains Foundation

  Jul 2005 - Mar 2007

  Program Manager

  Supported the mission of the nonprofit by managing environmental education programming at the National Children's Forest. Also managed the Children's Forest Youth Leadership Program for teens interested in learning leadership skills through community service. The SCMF is a close partner with the U.S. Forest Service, primarily operating on the San Bernardino and Angeles National Forests.

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  California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)

  Apr 2007 - Apr 2010

  Forester I

  Worked closely with fire-prone communities in California to reduce the risk of wildfire while also promoting forest health. This multi-faceted job included educating the public about forest management and assisting with efforts on their properties, working alongside prison inmate crews and contractors on restoration projects after wildfires, and serving as a Public Information Officer during critical incidents by working with the media and helping evacuated residents (some of whom lost their homes) stay informed and find the resources they needed. Show less

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  Fenner Conservancy

  May 2010 - Aug 2014

  Executive Director

  Was hired as the first staff member and Executive Director of the organization and built it to be a sustainable and well-functioning nonprofit organization that managed a public nature center and its environmental education programs. This required strong business acumen, the ability to negotiate and navigate a public/private partnership with the City of Lansing, and the skills and the ability to develop plans that moved the organization forward both programmatically and financially.

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  Blandford Nature Center

  Aug 2014 - Nov 2021

  President and CEO

  Through values-driven strategic leadership, successfully stabilized Blandford Nature Center, led it through significant growth internally and externally, and raised the profile of the organization at the local, state, and national levels by serving as a model of success and innovation. This work included significant strategic planning that heavily-focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, board and staff development, and collaboration and partnerships with local funders, government officials, and nonprofits both within and beyond the environmental sector. Show less

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  Firebird Outfitters, LLC

  Jul 2021 - Jul 2023

  Owner and Guide

  Provided outdoor experiences in the Grand River watershed including guided fishing trips, photography tours, and ecotourism experiences.

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  JKM Consulting, LLC

  Nov 2021 - Nov 2023

  Nonprofit Consultant

  Provided consulting services to nonprofit organizations including board/staff training and development, executive leadership coaching and mentoring, strategic planning, annual/capital fundraising planning and support, and high-level organizational reviews and assessments.

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  White Oak Initiative

  Apr 2023 - now

  Executive Director, White Oak Initiative

  The White Oak Initiative is composed of white oak dependent or interested industries, trade associations, conservation organizations, agencies, universities and nonprofits working to ensure the long-term sustainability of America's white oak, and contributing to the conservation of white oak and white oak-dominated forests.

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  Lafontsee Galleries

  Apr 2023 - now

  Business Advisor and Idea Generator