Occupation: Natural Resource Economist
Born: Portland, Maine, May 18, 1954
Education:
PhD in Economics, Natural Resource Economics, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (1992)
MA in Economics, University of Maine, Orono, (1979)
BA in Economics/Political Science, University of Maine, Orono (1976)
Career:
Economist, Virginia Marine Advisory Program, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, Gloucester Point, VA (2012-Present)
Industry Team Leader, National Marine Fisheries Service (2003-Present)
Standing Member, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (2010-2015)
Chief Economist, National Marine Fisheries Service, Silver Spring, MD (1997-2003)
Senior Economist, National Marine Fisheries Service, St. Petersburg, FL (1987-1997)
Career Related:
Adjunct Professor, Department of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (2003-2010); Adjunct Professor, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA (2001-2010); Adjunct Professor of Food and Resource Economics Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (1989-2001)
Creative Works:
Contributor, Scientific Papers, Professional Journals
Achievements:
Development of bio-physical economic dynamic ecosystem computer simulation model; Development of Gulf of Mexico bio-economic shrimp fishery management computer simulation model; Public service is not really highly regarded anymore, but that is what motivated him through all of this. To provide useful information to managers to make rational management decisions, and to assist fisherman to achieve their goals as well. That was really his purpose in all of this. He did some stuff in international trade which was designed to help preserve the commercial fisheries. It was the underlying desire to provide a service to people who needed assistance and didn’t have the money to hire someone to do the work. Growing up in the 1960’s and 1970’s, it just came through to him. Fishery in economics was the only area that interested him when he was first getting started. It has always been that desire to assist the public in their endeavors has been what has always motivated him.
Awards:
Honoree, Five Years of Service, Virginia Institute of Marine Science (2017); Recipient, Certificate of Appreciation for Service on the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council, Social and Economics Panel (2015); Recipient, Certificate of Appreciation for Service on the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council, Science and Statistical Committee (2015, 2010); Recipient, Bronze Medal, United States Department of Commerce (2004-2005); Recipient, Certificate of Recognition, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States Department of Commerce (1996, 1993); Recipient, Certificate of Appreciation for Service on the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council, Social and Economics Panel (1987); Recipient, Award for Outstanding Performance in Economic Research, National Marine Fisheries Service (1982)
Memberships:
Isaac Walton League
Family:
Son of Robert Royden and Barbara June Ward
Married: Beth Anita Harmon (2/4/1954)
Children: Christopher Ian
Siblings: Bruce Ward (brother); Kathleen Yde (sister); Patricia Castillo (sister)
Hobbies:
Photography; Hiking; Canoeing
Biography Sources:
Who’s Who in America – 2019, 72nd Edition (pub. 2019)
Who’s Who in America – 2011, 65th Edition (pub. 2010)
