Leon Tillman is a Natural Resource Specialist with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and has worked for NRCS for 20 years. He recently led the development of a branch-wide strategic plan and currently works as a subject matter expert to establish a training curriculum for program management of financial assistance programs. Tillman’s previous work in Tennessee included coordinating the development of resource and management planning, as well as working extensively with agriculture partners and employees to provide technical assistance, financial assistance, planning, and policy guidance throughout the state. Tillman received his Bachelor in Agricultural Sciences from Tennessee State University and a Master of Science in Agriculture and Natural Resources Systems Management at the University of Tennessee at Martin. He is an active member of the National Organization of Professional Black NRCS Employees (NOPBNRCSE) and serves on the Open Space Institute (OSI) Advisory Committee as an agency liaison providing guidance related to Appalachian landscape protection.