Born and raised in north central Wisconsin, Dan was integrated into the agricultural community at an early age. Helping neighbors with their dairy farms, mink ranches and veal operations developed his interest in the environment and natural resource management. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with B.S. degrees in Biology and Wildlife Management, he worked as a wildlife biologist for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for 14 years in their Kansas City office. He has also spent time as a content manager for an outdoor based multi-media company and as a program coordinator for the State Conservation Commission. In 2009 he became Director.