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2026 Candidate Terry Williamson

Terry W. Williamson, Jr. (CV)
Environmental Section Supervisor
Brevard County Natural Resources Management Department

Candidate for: Member of the Board of Professional Certification

Throughout my career, I have combined scientific expertise, program leadership, environmental management, and educational experience in service to natural resource conservation and environmental stewardship. As an Environmental Section Supervisor for Brevard County and Principal Ecologist for Keystone Ecological Services, I have worked extensively at the intersection of science, policy, and applied resource management. These experiences have reinforced my belief that professional certification provides an important mechanism for demonstrating competence, ethical conduct, and commitment to continuing professional development.

My professional background would allow me to contribute to the Board through:
• Extensive experience applying ecological science to real-world environmental management challenges.
• Expertise in habitat conservation, restoration ecology, water quality management, and imperiled species conservation.
• Experience evaluating professional qualifications and scientific work products.
• A strong commitment to ethical professional practice and continuing education.
• Experience mentoring early-career scientists and supporting workforce development.
• Collaboration with federal, state, and local agencies, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and private-sector professionals.

Education and professional development have been central themes throughout my career. I have served as an adjunct instructor, developed and delivered professional training programs, and mentored students and environmental professionals. These experiences have provided me with an appreciation for the challenges faced by emerging ecologists and the importance of creating pathways for professional growth and recognition. I would work to promote awareness of ESA certification programs and encourage greater participation among students, early-career professionals, and practitioners working in applied ecology.

My background also includes executive leadership training and a graduate Management Program Certificate from Rollins College, Roy E. Crummer School of Business. These experiences have strengthened my ability to contribute strategically to policy discussions, organizational planning, and program evaluation. As a member of the Board of Professional Certification, I would strive to support transparent decision-making, uphold the integrity of the certification process, and ensure that ESA certification continues to represent the highest standards of professional ecological practice.

How Would You Support ESA’s Mission?

If elected to the Board of Professional Certification, I would support the Ecological Society of America’s mission by promoting high professional standards, scientific integrity & ethical practice. Throughout more than 20 years in environmental science and natural resource management, I have worked to apply ecological principles to real-world conservation, restoration, water quality, and species management challenges.

As a Board Certified Environmental Scientist and Certified Senior Ecologist, I understand the value of professional certification in demonstrating competence, credibility & commitment to continuing education. I would work to ensure ESA certification remains rigorous, relevant, and accessible to ecologists working in academia, government, consulting, and nonprofit organizations.

My experience supervising multidisciplinary scientific staff, managing environmental programs, mentoring early-career professionals & serving as an adjunct instructor has reinforced the importance of professional development and lifelong learning. I would advocate for increased awareness of ESA certification programs & support efforts to engage & recognize the next generation of ecological professionals.

I am committed to advancing the application of sound ecological science to address environmental challenges & helping ensure that ESA certification continues to represent excellence within the profession.