Amber Morin
Amber M. is a conservation professional, grant writer, and rancher with nearly 14 years of experience working at the intersection of agriculture, natural resources, and collaborative land stewardship in southern Arizona. She currently serves as Southern Arizona Programs Director for the Arizona Association of Conservation Districts, where she leads working-lands and conservation initiatives that bring together local, state, federal, and private partners to address shared resource challenges. Known—half-jokingly—as the “Chief Master Cat Herder of Ideas,” Amber excels at translating complex goals into actionable, partnership-driven projects.
Prior to her current role, Amber spent five years as the Coordinator for the Fort Huachuca Sentinel Landscape Partnership, overseeing collaboration across a three-million-acre landscape that supports military readiness, agricultural economies, and conservation outcomes. Her career also includes serving as the statewide Natural Resource Conservation District Manager for the Arizona State Land Department, as well as business development and county coordination roles with southern Arizona Farm Bureaus. Alongside her professional work, she has deep, hands-on experience in ranch operations through nearly two decades with a family-owned cattle ranch.
Amber holds a Bachelor of Science in American Government and Politics and a Graduate Professional Certificate in Geographic Information Systems Technology from the University of Arizona, reflecting her interest in precision agriculture and data-informed decision-making. She is actively involved in agricultural and conservation organizations statewide and serves on multiple boards related to land and water stewardship. Grounded in collaboration and practical problem-solving, Amber’s work focuses on building durable partnerships that sustain both working landscapes and the communities that depend on them.
• University of Arizona
• Northern Arizona University- B.S.
• Public Lands Council
• Arizona Farm Bureau
• Arizona Cattle Growers Association
• Arizona Land and Water Trust
• County University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, the unwavering support of my family, and a commitment to collaboration—using pilot-scale projects and strong partnerships to advance land stewardship and support military readiness in high-priority landscapes.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is simple but powerful: don’t give up, even when the path is uncertain or challenging.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to network consistently, ask questions, and prioritize real human connections beyond digital platforms. Show up with confidence, stay curious, and be willing to learn from subject-matter experts—those relationships and lessons will carry you far.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is that the industry can still be male dominated, but it also presents an opportunity for women to step forward, lead with confidence, and help shape a more inclusive future.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Kindness, respect, and honesty are the core values that guide how I work with others and how I live my personal life.