Staff

New Leadership

Gene Merriam - President of FWS
Most recently, Merriam served as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources from 2003 to 2007. Prior to that, he had served 22 years in the Minnesota Senate, representing the Coon Rapids/Anoka area, where he authored many environmental protection and conservation laws. He was chair of the successful coalition that helped dedicate state lottery funds to the Environmental Trust Fund. Merriam also served as chair of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Finance Committee

Joan Nephew - Executive Director
Prior to joining the Society, Nephew was President of the Institute for Environmental Assessment (IEA), executive director of the Environmental Resource Council, and executive vice president of the Minnesota Institute of Public Health. In these roles, Nephew managed Environmental Health Programs, worked with industry and government, and oversaw environmental health and safety policy for schools and other institutions.

Scott Branch – Operations Assistant