Tom Goettel Oral History Transcript

Tom grew up in suburban Irondequoit in a multigenerational Rochester, New York, family and spent his childhood running around the out of doors, interested in nature, fishing and birding. He received his BS in wildlife biology from Cornell University in 1975. He started his professional career at the EPA in New York City where he met his wife, Beth, with whom he has three children. In this narrative, topics included are seabird management, disparities facing women in the Service during his tenure, the importance of good mentorship, maintenance of professionalism, integrity, partnerships and high standards for success. Tom discusses the high and low points of his career.