The East Foundation is pleased to announce Dr. Jason Sawyer as the organization’s new Chief Science Officer, effective June 1, 2022.

As part of a long-standing partnership with the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management (KRIRM), Sawyer has been an Associate Professor for KRIRM and Research Scientist-in-Residence at the East foundation for more than two years. Through this shared role, he worked closely with East Foundation staff to help develop innovative and sustainable solutions for improving ranching systems.

“I am very excited to be expanding my role with East Foundation, after spending the past two-plus years as Scientist-in-Residence while with the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management,” said Sawyer. “I look forward to continuing my work with the talented team at East Foundation to integrate science and ranching in the context of a historic South Texas ranch. I know that with our partners we can make a difference for land stewards and help to ensure the important legacy of working lands in Texas and beyond.”

Sawyer has a passion for ranching, wildlife research, and advancing land stewardship, having earned a BS in Rangeland Ecology and Management with a Ranch Management emphasis from Texas A&M University as well as a MS and PhD in Beef Cattle Nutrition from New Mexico State University. Jason has authored or co-authored over 120 peer-reviewed and invited publications, over 250 abstracts, proceedings, and technical reports, and given over 125 presentations at meetings, workshops, and conferences.

In his new role as Chief Science Officer, Sawyer will lead the Foundation’s Science Team as well as advise staff on cattle operations and other programs. Sawyer has over 20 years of experience in applied research and management, where he has led and coordinated applied research in livestock production systems in both intensive and extensive settings. His primary interests are the development of strategies to enhance the sustainability of beef production systems, the application of nutritional strategies in these systems, and the development of valid indicators of sustainable production.

“Sawyer’s background and experience makes him the ideal choice for leading a science program that is integrated into the operations of a working cattle ranch – integrating rangeland, wildlife, and livestock production systems,” said Neal Wilkins, CEO of East Foundation. “This will advance both our ranching and science programs and further support our outreach and education efforts.”