Tom Paragi hails from upstate New York and came to Alaska in 1985 to finish an undergraduate degree in wildlife management, spending summers working for the Chugach National Forest and University of Alaska. After obtaining a master’s degree in wildlife management in Maine, he returned to Alaska in 1990 and worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on several national wildlife refuges. In 1999 he was hired by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to conduct research on wildlife habitat management in boreal forest, and over time he undertook applied research on birds and mammals. Through these work experiences and recreational travel in Alaska, Tom developed an appreciation of the diverse ecosystems, anthropogenic effects, and human values associated with nature. He learned to identify adaptive challenges as a fellow at the National Conservation Leadership Institute and helped colleagues undertake constructive engagement on controversial issues. Recently retired from ADF&G, he continues to live outside of Fairbanks and to advocate and volunteer for Alaska State Parks. (Tom’s first term ends in Fall 2026.)