Tom Segerstrom is retiring from his role as Teton Conservation District’s Executive Director after leading the District for six years. Carlin Girard, Teton Conservation District’s Water Resources Specialist & Associate Director, was selected as the new Executive Director.

“Over the past 15 years, I’ve witnessed Teton Conservation District’s community presence and partnerships grow, along with the caliber of our programs,” says Tom. “I’m proud to have participated in and help shape this culture—and it’s with great gratitude to our staff and board for making my time with the District, personally, very rewarding.”

Prior to joining the District staff as Executive Director, Tom served on the Teton Conservation District Board from 2004 to 2015, including a term as Board Chair from 2011 to 2013. As a certified wildlife biologist, Tom was a District Biologist for Wyoming Game and Fish Department for six years, pioneered the local ecotourism industry, and worked for 15 years as a Land Steward and Staff Biologist for the Jackson Hole Land Trust.

Tom has served on several boards, including President of the Wyoming Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Chair of the Teton County Natural Resource Technical Advisory Board, Teton County Library, Wyoming Wildlife Federation, and Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation. He is also a longstanding member of the noon Rotary Club.

Carlin Girard began at Teton Conservation District in 2014 as the Water Resources Specialist and gained the additional role of Associate Director in 2019. “Carlin is fully capable and well-suited to lead this local branch of government to become an even more significant resource for the community,” said Steve McDonald, Board Chair.

Carlin built a successful Water Program with a focus on conserving the ecology of the Snake River Watershed through research, technical expertise, partnerships, and outreach. Carlin has a strong background in native fisheries, aquatic and riparian habitat, and surface water quality. As Carlin’s understanding of the local water systems increased, he expanded his focus to drinking water and wastewater, drawing the community’s attention to nitrate in groundwater and the need for regional water planning.

“I am honored to have been chosen as Executive Director, especially given the excellent position Tom has led us to.” Carlin emphasized that “the staff and board have clear direction and a strong working relationship, but we are also uniquely capable of adapting to community needs. We are this community’s partner for natural resource conservation projects, and I encourage members of the public, agencies, whomever, to reach out so we can help get your projects on the ground.”

Prior to joining Teton Conservation District, Carlin spent eight years working in natural resource management and research, including with Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, among many others. He is experienced in database management, statistics, and GIS mapping and analysis. He has worked with ungulates, waterfowl, passerines, raptors and a wide range of vegetation communities. Carlin has published peer-reviewed articles and technical reports and holds a Master of Science degree in Aquatic Resource Management from the University of Wyoming. Through Carlin’s work in Wyoming and the region, he has built strong partnerships with researchers, natural resource managers, landowners, and community leaders.