Richard Hannan Oral History Transcript

Mr. Hannan described events in his early life that gave him a sense of duty and responsibility, and that taught him to ask questions and learn about what happens behind the scenes. Before joining the FWS, he worked as a biologist for a state agency in Kentucky. He was promoted to director. He found the job almost intolerable because he felt uncomfortable around people, and he had to lay off several of his former colleagues. Goaded by his secretary he developed the skills needed by a good manager. After ten years, he felt that he had accomplished what he could in that position, and he accepted a position with FWS working on endangered species for the Atlanta office. Mr. Hannan views problem solving as a collaborative effort, and he developed close working relationships with many colleagues, both within the FWS and at state agencies. He worked to find solutions that would protect a species while preserving a landowner’s livelihood and meeting ESA standards.

Mr. Hannan is an excellent storyteller. The tale of his role in a “man overboard” safety drill on a research boat in the Aleutian Islands brought the interview to a memorable close.