A native Newfoundlander, Jeff has been blessed with a long career that allowed him to live in and immerse himself in some of the most beautiful places in Canada. Shortly after finishing university in 1982, Jeff accepted a six-month job with Parks Canada in Gros Morne National Park. This short opportunity turned into a thirty-three-year career that took Jeff across this great country.
With diverse experience—including as a Park Warden, planner, communications director, regional ecosystems manager, Superintendent and finally as Vice-President of Operations for Western and Northern Canada—Jeff has broad knowledge in the negotiation, establishment, and hands-on management of National Parks and National Historic Sites.
He has been the executive lead on the designation of Red Bay as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the operations of Torngat Mountains as a new National Park in partnership with local Inuit, the negotiations of Mealy Mountains National Park, and the search for the Franklin Expedition. He has represented Parks Canada on missions to Chile, Cambodia, and Mexico.
Jeff has received an Individual Merit Award from the Canadian Parks Council, an Outstanding Career Award from the Public Service of Canada, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. In his free time, Jeff plays the accordion, flute, and Irish whistles—and likes to play hockey, or go backcountry skiing, sailing, or kiteboarding.