Bryan Burhans
Harrisburg,PA
Summary
Experienced executive offering proven background in business settings and driving organizational change at operational levels. Demonstrated leadership, planning and problem-solving skills focused on delivering robust, performance-oriented strategies to meet current and expected demands.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director
Pennsylvania Game Commission
Harrisburg, PA
07.2014 - 04.2024
- Set organization direction and developed strategies and tactics to fulfill mission
- Implemented change management strategies focused on creating new processes to improve customer service, expand agency brand, and enhance employee safety
- Established new division within the agency to expand marketing and strategic communications
- Established new central dispatch center to improve customer service and enhance officer safety
- Fostered relationships and partnerships with agency and NGO partners to effectively meet agency mission goals
- Served as chief liaison on behalf of the agency with the state legislature and US Congress
- Oversaw $300 million budget and over 1,000 Employees
President & CEO
The American Chestnut Foundation
Asheville, NC
01.2009 - 07.2014
- Directed core organizational functions providing strategic vision and leadership, and formulate and execute marketing, branding, communications, and fundraising strategies
- Supervised 23 staff including PhD-level researchers, field scientists, development officers, and administrative staff
- Overhauled operational structure to increase customer service, enhance program development, increase profitability, and strengthen board of director engagement
- Managed key partners such as the Army Corp of Engineers, USDA Forest Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Farm Service Agency, and NGO partners
- Served as chief development officer overseeing all fundraising activities
Director, Land Management Programs
National Wild Turkey Federation - Souris River Basin Longbeards
Edgefield, SC
07.1997 - 12.2008
- Served on executive staff at a national level providing vision and leadership in developing the organization's private lands wildlife habitat programs
- Developed and managed partnerships with state forestry agencies, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Farm Service Agency, and corporate partners
- Advocated for Farm Bill policy and other conservation policy to the US Congress
- Created new communications platforms to enhance connecting new members to the organization
- Worked with team to develop and co-host new television series which taught private landowners how how improve habitat to attract wildlife to their property
- Created new magazine which provided information on managing wildlife habitat and worked with state agency and corporate partners to fund program development
- Oversaw seed and seedling sales generating over $2 million in sales annually
- Worked with retailers to place seed and seedling products in their stores
Education
Master of Science - Wildlife and Fisheries Biology
Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MDBachelor of Science - Wildlife Science
The Pennsylvania State University
State College, PAAssociate of Science - Wildlife Technology
The Pennsylvania State University
DuBois, PASkills
- Executive Management
- Change management
- Fundraising
- Strategic Planning
- Team building
- staff development
- Report compilation
- Community Engagement
- Partner Engagement
- Business Development
- Contract Management
- Public Speaking
Certification
- Certified Wildlife Biologist
- Licensed private pilot
Affiliations
- Board member, National Deer Association
- Board member, Green Forests Work
- Board member, OM Sanctuary
- Executive Committee, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Accomplishments
- 2005 Henry Hardtner Award presented by the Southern Group of State Foresters
- 2024 Service award presented by Ducks Unlimited
- 2010 Outstanding Alumni Award, The Pennsylvania State University DuBios Alumni Society
- Certified Wildlife Biologist, The Wildlife Society
Timeline
Executive Director
Pennsylvania Game Commission
07.2014 - 04.2024
President & CEO
The American Chestnut Foundation
01.2009 - 07.2014
Director, Land Management Programs
National Wild Turkey Federation - Souris River Basin Longbeards
07.1997 - 12.2008
Master of Science - Wildlife and Fisheries Biology
Frostburg State University
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife Science
The Pennsylvania State University
Associate of Science - Wildlife Technology
The Pennsylvania State University
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