Jason Sumners is the Science Branch Chief for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), leading a team of more than 80 scientist that specializing in research and management of fish, forest, and wildlife, including fish, forest, and wildlife health. He received a BS in Fisheries and Wildlife from the University of Missouri and a MS in Biology from Mississippi State. During his time at MDC Jason has served as Wildlife Division Chief, lead the white-tailed deer management program, co-led the state’s elk reintroduction efforts, initiated a private lands deer management program, and is currently leading the Department’s efforts to develop and implement a CWD management and surveillance strategy. Jason is also a co-editor of the Fish and Wildlife Relevancy Roadmap, which is intended to be a practical guide to help fish and wildlife agencies engage and serve broader constituencies. Jason’s experience and interest focus on the application of science in the management of wildlife populations, engaging citizens in conservation, enhancing the relevance of state fish and wildlife agencies, and the application of adaptive leadership principles to addressing challenging natural resource management issues.
