A note from Steve: 

I have been very lucky in my conservation career to work in three fairly different state government venues.  My first phase began as a bio-statistician supporting a group of scientists implementing classical biological control of weed and insect pests through re-uniting invasive pests with their co-evolved natural  "enemies" imported carefully from their native homes.  After eight years, having already worked closely with California's weed eradication unit it was an easy move to shift into that program to start up a database and GIS system to track eradication project management and success and then take over as supervisor and have the glorious title of State Noxious Weed Coordinator. The last phase of my state career (and closest to my lifelong interest in rare plants) was to move to the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife and lead the heritage program consisting of the CA Natural Diversity Database, Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program and the GIS specialists unit.  Throughout these 29 years, all of my jobs have focused on how to best compile, analyze and share scientific data for the purposes of program improvement and biodiversity conservation.

One of the top highlights of my eight years overseeing California's natural heritage program was the interaction and support of the Heritage Network. Both fellow coordinators, and Nature Serve staff, time and time again generously shared successful strategies and formal protocols which helped shape our local program.  It is a great system of collaboration and a great group of people!

In retirement, I will still stay focused on rare plant science and conservation, but hopefully spending way more time in the field and much less in the office chair.