Michael J. Simsik

With over two decades of experience working on environmental, educational and management issues, I have provided leadership to improving impacts of organizations, staff and partners while producing positive outcomes for stakeholders. More than half of this experience involves development work and academic research in international settings, with a focus on Africa.

Much of my work has focused on leading and managing projects, programs and teams seeking to build the capacity of staff and stakeholders engaged in sustainable development, educational and environmental efforts. With a personal style that has been described as 'easy-going' and 'seeking harmony,' this lends itself to a management style that seeks to create an inclusive environment where staff feel empowered to contribute their ideas and trusted to assume responsibility for their actions. I prefer to observe situations and listen to people before moving to action. Not easily ruffled or flustered, I have been described as having 'tenacious persistence,' and am also a quick learner from experience, thus avoiding making a mistake more than once.

Driven by an intellectual curiosity in people and places, I have conducted graduate research focused on human dimensions of natural resource use and management. My doctoral dissertation focused on the political ecology of biodiversity conservation on the central highlands of Madagascar, while my master's thesis research explored the livelihood strategies of farmers living adjacent to a biosphere reserve in northern Benin. I enjoy experiencing and communicating across cultures and am fluent in French.