Mike is our newest board member. He grew up in England and obtained a Degree in Mining Engineering from the Royal School of Mines, London University.  His first position was with an iron ore company in Sierra Leone, West Africa. He later came to the US for graduate studies, obtaining a Masters Degree in Mineral Engineering and an MBA.

After graduation he joined a company where he worked in various positions including off-shore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, and mining in New Mexico. His future career was with several mining companies in the Western US. These included operations in lead /zinc, gold, copper, uranium, and coal production. He had responsibilities for engineering support, environmental compliance, and safety.

Upon retiring from Colowyo Coal Company he joined The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in the San Luis Valley and was responsible for the integration of the Medano Zapata Ranch into the larger, nationwide organization. The property included a golf course, lodging facility and restaurant, bison herd, and a cow calf operation. Issues addressed included endemic and endangered species, land use, and water rights ownership. He participated in the Great Sands becoming a National Park and Preserve.

After leaving TNC he joined the San Luis Water Conservancy District where, in addition to the duties of the District, he became responsible for the newly formed Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project. The Project’s goals are to restore and conserve the historical functions and vitality of the river for improved water quality, agricultural water use, riparian health, wildlife and aquatic species habitat, recreation and community safety while meeting the Rio Grande Compact.