Area of Focus
As Senior Policy Manager for the Western Lands Program, Brittany oversees policy initiatives across the Intermountain West. She focuses on protecting wildlands and waters from development for all to enjoy, as well as pursuing expanded funding so that Western states can continue to protect and restore important landscapes for both humans and wildlife.
Background
Brittany lives in New Mexico, having transplanted to the Land of Enchantment from Rhode Island (via Europe) in 2016. Her career began as a primatologist at the University of New Mexico, but she quickly pivoted to working on policy that combats climate change and protects the natural world after witnessing firsthand wild chimpanzees becoming further endangered from loss of habitat due to development. Since entering the policy realm, Brittany has helped pass and shape state policy including clean energy initiatives, river protection, outdoor equity, and open space acquisition.
Education
Brittany received a B.A. from the College of William and Mary in Virginia, and went on to complete a Master of Science from the University of St Andrews, followed by a joint PhD from the University of St Andrews’ School of Psychology and Neuroscience in Scotland and the University of Neuchatel’s Institute of Biology in Switzerland.
Favorite thing about the West
New Mexico sunsets, river rafting, and big skies. Proud public land owner.