Fariss conducting a site visit at Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park, Maui, Hawai’i as part of his role as lead state archeologist in 2017. Photo courtesy of Barker Fariss. BY TIM SCHOMMER
Barker Fariss has been selected as the new executive director of Colorado State University’s Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands. Fariss initially joined CEMML as an assistant director in February of this year and was later appointed to interim director in July, following the departure of Tony Chapa.
“I’m very pleased to be bringing Barker on as CEMML’s new executive director,” said A. Alonso Aguirre, dean of CSU’s Warner College of Natural Resources. “In his short time as interim director, he has already begun to implement crucial operational changes within the unit and is well-positioned to continue to push CEMML forward.”
Due to the complex nature and organizational structure of CEMML, Aguirre implemented a highly transparent search process, with a hiring committee chaired by Mark Paschke, research associate dean at Warner College.
“Following the committee’s recommendation, one-on-one meetings with my Warner College leadership team, and consultation with CEMML’s team of principal investigators, naming Barker as executive director became the obvious choice,” said Aguirre.
Fariss’ extensive background in environmental regulatory compliance makes him uniquely suited for overseeing CEMML and its land management support to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies.
Over the course of his career, he has overseen federal- and state-funded projects that require expertise in legislation such as the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
In Fariss’ role as interim director, his focus has been on bolstering CEMML’s internal functions. Efforts include streamlining administrative HR processes and classifications to improve efficiencies in the hiring process and illuminate pathways for staff growth, establishing a Technical Practice Network that aims to better connect CEMML staff members within their respective areas of expertise, and implementing flexible work policies in support of staff well-being.
Fariss also formalized the CEMML Cultural Resources program, now capable of providing on-demand expertise in the areas of archaeology, history, and historic preservation. In addition, he has increased resources to CEMML’s Early-career Development Program, which aims to provide college students and recent graduates with exposure to the field of military lands management and offer participants a pipeline to long-term employment.
“I’ve enjoyed getting to know the great people at CEMML, Warner College, and CSU,” said Fariss “I’ve developed a lot of respect and admiration for the professionals I’ll be continuing to work with over the coming years.”
