Area of Focus
As policy manager for the Western Lands team, Brittany’s work focuses on protecting wildlands and watersheds from development, as well as pursuing expanded funding so that Western states can continue to protect and restore important landscapes for both humans and wildlife.
Some of her key policy areas include leading efforts to secure a dedicated conservation fund in New Mexico to acquire land and conservation easements, manage natural and cultural resources, and enhance equitable access to outdoor recreation. She is also involved in establishing a process for protecting outstanding waters in Nevada and supports WRA’s work on renewable energy siting in Colorado, ensuring development remains in areas that make environmental sense and protects habitat.
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.
Prior to WRA, Brittany led state policy and legislative efforts for Sierra Club and New Mexico Wild, where she helped negotiate and pass state legislation on clean energy, lands, water, wildlife, and the regulation of oil and gas. Over the years, she has found her niche in protecting habitat from development.
Accomplishments
Brittany was part of the landmark Energy Transition Act, New Mexico’s renewable portfolio standard law, that committed the state to 100% clean energy. She was also the lead advocate on a bill to end the proposed diversion of the Gila River and helped secure the state of New Mexico’s purchase of the L Bar Ranch to protect its cultural and spiritual significance for the Tribes and Pueblos, as well as critical habitat and game species. Once the transfer is complete, it will be one of the largest wildlife management areas in the country. And she led advocacy efforts for New Mexico’s historic investment of the American Rescue Plan Act, which resulted in $45.3 million of federal funding for state conservation programs.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Biological Anthropology and Linguistics from the College of William and Mary
- Master of Science in Evolutionary and Comparative Psychology at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland
- Joint Doctor of Philosophy in Cognitive Psychology and Biology from the University of St. Andrews and the University of Neuchatel in Switzerland
Favorite thing about the West
New Mexico sunsets, river rafting, and big skies. Proud public landowner.
