Office of the Center Director

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Fort Collins Science Center (FORT) conducts research and develops technical applications to assist land managers in understanding and managing biological resources, habitats, and ecosystems. Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, FORT serves all Department of the Interior land management agencies and cooperates with many other federal, state, and private entities to research, monitor, and address pressing natural resource problems.

In September 2004, FORT welcomed USGS scientist and manager Mark Shasby as its new Center Director. Mr. Shasby comes to Fort Collins from the Alaska Science Center in Anchorage where he worked for 23 years, most recently as Chief of the Biological and Geographic Science Offices. In addition to field research in these two disciplines, Mr. Shasby has experience and expertise in information systems, remote sensing, science communications, and fiscal, project, and program management and planning. At FORT, Director Shasby oversees 150 staff engaged in scientific research, modeling, and technical assistance in aquatic systems, technology applications, ecosystem dynamics and processes, invasive species science, international applied ecology, policy analysis and social science, and species and habitats of federal interest.

Administrative Officer Cathy Jorgensen is responsible for the administrative and budgeting services of the Center and its field stations. With a B.S. in Business Administration and more than 20 years of federal administration experience within the USGS and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ms. Jorgensen provides expertise in the areas of management policies relating to finance, accounting, program management/execution, organizational management, human resources, contracting, facilities management, and employee/labor relations.

Science Technical Support Services is led by Project Manager Michele Banowetz, who also serves as Public Affairs Officer for the Center. Ms. Banowetz supervises staff and services in the areas of computer operations, GIS and remote sensing, and information management. She also conducts the Center's public affairs program, including media and Congressional relations. Ms. Banowetz received her M.S. in wildlife biology from Colorado State University, Fort Collins. Her expertise includes communications, project management, wildlife biology, and secondary education.