Katie Sauerbrey

Driven by a connection with fire and natural environments, Katie Sauerbrey is the Oregon Fire Program Director for The Nature Conservancy. They have over a decade of experience working for government and non-profit organizations in both fire suppression and prescribed fire management, currently working as the preserve manager and burn boss for TNC’s 30,500-acre Sycan Marsh Preserve. After beginning a career in fire management during undergraduate studies, Katie received an MS in Environmental Science and Policy from Northern Arizona University with a focus on public acceptability of smoke from prescribed fire. 

Katie is passionate about incorporating best-available science into land management planning and partnering with researchers on prescribed burns to broaden knowledge about fire-processes. They are also committed to inclusivity within fire management and believe that the more diverse our fire workforce, the better off our management practices will be, resulting in healthier ecosystems. During spare time, Katie enjoys trail-running, exploring fire scars to analyze fire effects, and snuggling with their dog Finn.