William Burnidge (MS/MBA ’97), Deputy Director at The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) North America Regenerative Grazing Land Program, leads on-the-ground testing and research of improved ranch management frameworks and tools. He also helps to lead TNC’s corporate engagement work, both in multilateral contexts such as the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, as well as working directly with multiple large companies in the conventional beef sector. Burnidge pursued Environmental Policy and Planning and Business at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) and the Stephen M. Ross School of Business.

At the annual SEAS Career Trek, held in Denver, Colorado, in Fall 2022, Burnidge shared a few of his thoughts and experiences on camera.

“Climate is a huge part of my work,” said Burnidge. “Our job in our regenerative grazing land strategy is to both work on climate adaptation— so that people are better equipped to deal with the realities of climate change and continue to succeed for their own lives, as well as to take care of their land and their resources. But also, to mitigate climate change: how can we reduce emissions from the beef industry?”

The SEAS Career Trek is an annual event—held in cities across the country—designed to give students an opportunity to learn more about career pathways through moderated panels, roundtables, and one-on-one meetings with alumni.