Katie Shepherd Christiansen

Executive Director

Katie is an interdisciplinary conservationist with fifteen years of leadership experience in Greater Yellowstone environmental non-profits. Her integrative approach to conservation spans media forms and subject areas to embody our growing understanding of nature with a paired ethic for coexistence. In her previous positions, she has conducted and overseen scientific studies, partnered with independent researchers, managed networks, and developed educational resources. Katie is the editor and illustrator of the book, The Artist’s Field Guide to Yellowstone, created in partnership with fifty local artists and writers, and is known across the region for her award-winning interpretive signs.

Katie is a graduate of the Yale School of the Environment, a Wyss Conservation Scholar of the American West, a Wyoming Arts Council Pattie Layser Memorial Greater Yellowstone Creative Writing & Journalism Fellow, and a three-time National Endowment for the Arts grant recipient. Prior to her role as Executive Director, Katie’s affiliation with NRCC spanned a decade, first as a Wyss Conservation Scholar Intern, then Research Associate, and seven years as an Expert in Residence.