Don Simpson

Lifetime Service Award

The Public Lands Foundation is pleased to present Don Simpson with its Lifetime Service Award for excellence in public land management.  The Foundation provides this award to deserving BLM employees who have perpetuated and enhanced the proud tradition of public service.

Don’s long career with the BLM began after graduation from the University of Colorado with a degree in forestry.  He subsequently worked in Idaho, the Washington Office, Colorado and Wyoming, across varied programs such as fire, forestry and realty.  Don served in several management capacities such as Deputy State Director for Resources, Associate State Director in Wyoming, and ultimately State Director in Wyoming, from which he retired in 2015.

Don also completed a Congressional Fellowship where he helped to write the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act.  In his service as the Acting Director of the National Operations Center in Denver, he was responsible for restructuring that entire organization.  Don’s other accomplishments include leading a Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation planning effort, addressing critical energy priorities, and providing exceptional leadership for the wild horse and burro program.  Throughout his career, Don was known for his ability to build consensus and maintain open communication through all levels of the organization.

Don was well respected in the public, Bureau, and local, state and national political arenas.  He had the ability to view issues through both pragmatic and political lenses.  Don was also respected for his active support and mentoring of fellow employees.

The Public Lands Foundation is honored to recognize Don Simpson with this Lifetime Service Award presented October 9, 2024, at the PLF’s annual meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mary Jo Rugwell, President                                                                           October 9, 2024