She oversees the bureaus of Conservation and Recreation and Geological Survey.
A native of east Tennessee, Claire earned an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree in botany and anthropology from the University of Tennessee and a master’s and Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Maryland.
Prior to joining DCNR, Claire served over 18 years as a faculty member in the Geography-Earth Science Department at Shippensburg University.
While at Shippensburg University, Claire served as the director of the Center for Land Use and Sustainability and, during her tenure, oversaw over $2.5 million in applied research grants and contracts -- many of which supported science-based and data-driven decisions for stakeholders in the Commonwealth and beyond.
Over her academic career, she made significant contributions to land use and land conservation science in the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware River watersheds.
As an educator, she closely mentored dozens of undergraduate and graduate students, and taught thousands of students about sustainability, environmental science, and geography.
In her role as Deputy Secretary, Claire supports the implementation of DCNR’s strategic priorities around climate; diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; and outdoor recreation.
She continues to engage with stakeholders around the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware River watersheds restoration initiatives.
She represents DCNR at the National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers, Chesapeake Conservation Partnership, the Appalachian Trail Landscape Partnership, among others.