Being the youngest of nine children I probably was mentored more than I would have chosen! However, while I have always been open to guidance from others, I became skilled in identifying good advice from bad. I remember investing some time with my high school counselor to get her perspective on future career opportunities. I soon learned that her perspective was limited and did not fit me or my interests.

Surprisingly it was my sister Mary that gave me sound advice… “you seem to really enjoy wildlife and the outdoors, Billy, so why don’t you check out the Conservation Program at the Finger Lakes Community College”. Her advice was passed along with an offer to live with her while I was in college, which indicated she had confidence in me. I believe her support and confidence in me was very important in getting me to where I am today.

I feel very fortunate to have met great people to learn from and with. The community college had a great staff of instructors that were very encouraging and helpful in guiding students through their college program and in finding employment. I also had a great group of friends during college (and still today) who helped each other in several aspects of college life. In looking back, I see how my family, friends and professors all contributed to my mentoring. There was nothing formal about the mentoring, but it was none-the-less present and effective because it helped me identify a career that I truly love, find my way through difficult career choices, and develop important skills I needed to be successful.

I also found mentors at my places of employment. Over the years I have worked for three federal agencies (BLM, USFS, NPS), three state agencies (N.Y., CO and WA), the community college and the Nature Conservancy. I have worked for the BLM for almost 16 years, on four different Districts in both Oregon and Montana. Finding good advice and support in my early years with the Klamath Falls area biologist, Gayle Sitter, I believe was key for me to move from the seasonal employment arena to a permanent position. Gayle actively helps people gain experience and offers advice where necessary and I continue to seek out his perspective. His easy going personality and laid back style facilitated the mentoring process. Joe Lint, another BLM biologist, has also helped me learn and grow as an agency biologist. Joe’s straight forward approach to problem solving and strong understanding of “official” regulations and processes is something I strive to emulate. I have never formally identified or asked someone to be a mentor, but I have not been shy in asking for advice either. However, as I mentioned earlier, I believe I learned at a young age to be selective in where I sought advice. My wife, Jean, (who I have worked with at the BLM for almost 16 years) is probably my most active mentor, and that process is definitely not formal. Jean knows me very well, my strengths, weaknesses, biases and personal and professional aspirations so her input is valuable.

I believe that all my work and extra-curricular experiences I got during my early years was critical in my success, as well as the support I got from a few family members, friends and co-workers. Diversity is important for a healthy ecosystem and I believe having a diverse group of people that you can choose from, depending on your situational needs, and having a variety of work and personal experiences is important for both a successful career and personal life.