Staff:

Jessica Schaum, Government Affairs Manager

Member of Conservation Minnesota staff since:  January 2010
 
Duties:  Government Affairs Manager
 
Education:  Bachelor of Arts in Political Science; Minors in Environmental Studies and Geography from Bemidji State University

Masters of Urban and Regional Planning; Environmental Planning emphasis from the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota
 
Previous Experience:  City of Blaine; The Center for Science, Technology, and Public Policy; Minnesota Environmental Partnership/Conservation Minnesota; MN House of Representatives
 
Place of Birth:  Savage, Minnesota
 
Favorite Quote:  "The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems" - Gandhi
 
Hobbies:  Farmers markets, cooking, crafting, baking, going up north, kayaking, canoeing, Zumba
 
Favorite literature:  Pretty much anything, but I'll always pass on vampire romances.
 
Favorite music/bands:  A little bit of everything, but especially Shakira, Colbie Caillat, Fiona Apple, and Damien Rice.
 
Favorite location in Minnesota: My family cabin in Crosslake.
 
Why I Work for Conservation Minnesota:  I love the supportive work environment and have always imagined myself working for an organization with such a strong track record and dedication for fighting the "good fight." 
 
Favorite way to spend a day:  If not at the cabin floating on a raft, you could probably find me thrift shopping for treasures, baking treats at home, or out and about somewhere with good company.

Last big vacations:  Girls weekend in Chicago last November and San Fran a few years ago.  Nothing as exotic as a J-term study abroad trip to Malaysia and Thailand the day after the tsunami however. 
 
Heroes:  Leslie Knope - cannot beat her enthusiasm for good government!
 
Family:  My parents Ralph and Christine, and one younger brother Matthew.