Bureau of Conservation Leadership
The Bureau of Conservation lies within the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The Bureau of Conservation is responsible for managing Outdoor Recreation resources, State Archaeology, State Natural Areas, and Tennessee State Parks. These functions are supported by teams that coordinate Bureau Services and Capital Projects.
Office of the Deputy Commissioner
The Office of the Deputy Commissioner supports bureau-wide priorities through coordination, communication, and guidance that help align efforts across the Bureau of Conservation.
Brian Clifford | Deputy Commissioner
Brian Clifford serves as Deputy Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Bureau of Conservation. He provides executive leadership for the Bureau’s divisions and oversees statewide conservation strategy, system growth, operational leadership, and cross-divisional coordination.
Brian began his career as an attorney, spending approximately a decade in private practice and public-sector counsel before moving into leadership roles within the Bureau of Conservation. He previously served as Director of Strategic Initiatives and as the founding Director of Tennessee’s Office of Outdoor Recreation, where he advanced efforts to expand access to outdoor recreation and strengthen conservation partnerships. He is a founding member of the Tennessee Outdoor Partnership.
Brian serves as a Williamson County Commissioner and is active in his local community. He and his wife, Michelle, have two children.
Christina Treglia | Senior Advisor, Bureau of Conservation
Christina’s career with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation spans over three decades and includes experience in environmental regulatory compliance, sustainability, external affairs, and program coordination across the department. Since joining the Bureau of Conservation in 2018 as Director of Brand Promise, she has led work related to brand standards, public engagement, and the Governor’s Conservation Summit, and she represents the department on boards and committees. Christina holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Centre College, is a 2017 graduate of the Tennessee Government Executive Institute and previously served on the Governor’s Rural Outdoor Task Force.
Division of Archaeology
The Division of Archaeology leads a comprehensive statewide program of archaeological research, planning, preservation, and public education in accordance with the Tennessee Antiquities Act. The division maintains Tennessee’s official inventory of archaeological sites; conducts basic and applied research; reviews state and federal projects; curates artifacts recovered from state-owned land; and provides archaeological information, technical assistance, and educational outreach through publications, programs, and statewide events.
Phil Hodge | State Archaeologist & Director of Archaeology
Phil’s background spans more than 30 years of public, private, and nonprofit research settings, including archaeological fieldwork, compliance review, and collections stewardship. He has published peer‑reviewed research and writes for regional outlets such as The Tennessee Conservationist. His leadership emphasizes long‑range planning, digital and geospatial modernization, repatriation, and strengthened stewardship of archaeological sites and materials. Phils holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Anthropology.
Division of Natural Areas
The Division of Natural Areas protects Tennessee’s rare species, significant natural areas, and important ecological communities. The division manages designated state natural areas; conducts ecological research and rare species monitoring; supports conservation planning and environmental review; provides natural heritage data and technical assistance; and evaluates lands for potential inclusion in the system of state natural areas and parks. Its work is guided by state laws including the Rare Plant Protection and Conservation Act and the Natural Areas Preservation Act.
Roger McCoy | State Naturalist & Director of Natural Areas
Roger’s work includes botanical research, rare species surveys, monitoring, and conservation planning across Tennessee. He represents TDEC on the Tennessee Forestry Commission and is a member of the department’s Wildland Fire Team. His leadership supports long‑term resource protection and science‑based management of Tennessee’s rare species and natural communities. He holds a Master of Science in Botany.
Office of Outdoor Recreation
The Office of Outdoor Recreation works to expand and improve outdoor recreation opportunities across Tennessee by bringing together public, private, nonprofit, and community partners to strengthen conservation, enhance access to natural resources, support recreation planning, and grow Tennessee’s outdoor recreation economy. The office also advances statewide initiatives related to trails, blueways, accessibility, partnerships, and grant programs that help Tennesseans and visitors enjoy the state’s natural assets.
Justine Cucchiara | Director, Office of Outdoor Recreation
Justine previously served as Assistant Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation and spent ten years as Park Manager of Seven Islands State Birding Park, where she led park operations, conservation stewardship, and community engagement. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Science and a Master of Science in Management and Human Resources from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Tennessee State Parks
Tennessee State Parks oversees the day‑to‑day operations of the state park system, including campgrounds, cabins, marinas, group camps, and other visitor services. The division supports park managers and staff in delivering safe, well‑managed, and welcoming parks for the public, and provides system-level leadership for operations, public safety, and law enforcement through the Office of Emergency Services, as well as interpretation and education through the Office of Interpretation and Programming. This work promotes consistent operational standards, stewardship of natural and cultural resources, and high‑quality visitor experiences across the statewide park system.
Christopher Padgett | Director, Tennessee State Parks
Christopher brings nearly 30 years of experience with Tennessee State Parks, including service as a Park Ranger at Bicentennial Mall State Park, more than a decade in leadership roles at Tims Ford State Park, and ten years as Area Manager for the Middle Tennessee region. Before assuming his current role, he served as Chief of Staff for the Bureau of Conservation. His leadership has advanced modernization efforts across the park system, including forecasting tools, improvements in stakeholder transparency, and processes used to plan, fund, and designate new state parks. He is a graduate of the Tennessee Government Executive Institute and the State Park Leadership School.
Tennessee State Parks Hospitality Services
Tennessee State Parks Hospitality Services oversees hospitality operations across the state park system, including six resort park lodges and conference centers, seven restaurants, resort park cabin operations, and nine golf courses. The division provides welcoming accommodations, dining, recreation, and guest services that complement the natural, cultural, and historic experiences found throughout Tennessee State Parks.
Shannon Bowles | Director, Division of Tennessee State Parks (TSP) Hospitality Services
Shannon’s background includes over three decades of leadership in the hospitality industry, with senior management experience at Marriott International prior to joining Tennessee State Parks. Her work centers on elevating guest services, strengthening hospitality operations, and supporting efforts to enhance the visitor experience throughout the park system.
Division of Bureau Services
Bureau Services supports the Bureau of Conservation through shared operational, strategic, technical, and customer-facing functions. The division includes administrative services, marketing, sales and partnerships, events, gift shops, publications, digital and creative services, systems and GIS, strategy and planning, funding coordination, and real property. These functions strengthen internal operations, improve coordination across teams, support strategic initiatives, manage key business systems, and help connect Tennesseans and visitors with the Bureau’s people, programs, and places.
Morgan Bologeorges | Director, Bureau Services
Morgan has held progressive roles within the Bureau focused on financial planning, marketing, revenue, and strategic communications. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree in Sport Administration from Belmont University, and she is a graduate of the Tennessee Government Management Institute.
Division of Capital Projects
The Division of Capital Projects develops and manages capital improvement and major maintenance projects across Tennessee State Parks. The division works with internal teams and project partners to identify needs, secure funding, and represent the agency throughout the planning, design, construction, and completion of capital projects. This work supports safe, functional facilities and strengthens the long‑term future of Tennessee’s state park system.
Ben Dunn | Director of Capital Projects
Ben has more than 37 years of construction experience and has served as Director since 2019, overseeing capital projects, infrastructure planning, and maintenance operations across Tennessee State Parks. A Nashville native, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee.