MATTHEW K. CORBY
Work Experience
For 24 years I have been working in the field of Land Management. I am a certified Forester from the University of Florida and spent 8 years as such at the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center (CBJTC) focused on silviculture and timber operations. In 2007, I moved to the SJRWMD and spent 7 years as the Land Manager of their Northern District. In 2014 I returned to CBJTC as the Conservation Manager and currently act as the Installation Environmental Manager.
Education
1996-2000, University of Florida. Received a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resource and Conservation.
Volunteer Work, Civic, Professional, and other Activities
I am an NWCG Certified Wildland Firefighter and a Certified FL Prescribed Burn Manager for over 20 years. I also volunteer my time coaching youth recreation soccer for the Clay County Soccer Club located on Fleming Island for the last 5 years.
Additional knowledge, skill, education or experience
I have always focused on managing land to meet multiple objectives. Success, for me, is defined as balancing economic and ecological need. I believe good land management can do both simultaneously. I am also the lead for the Compatible Use Buffer Program at CBJTC with an understanding of real estate transactions focused to preserve and protect land, as fee simple or easement. Additionally, I respect the value of working lands on the landscape and would like to help protect them in Clay County.
HEATHER F. NAGY
Work Experience
I work within the acquisitions department at the North Florida Land Trust (NFLT). In my role, I determine the highest priority conservation lands throughout Northeast Florida using GIS analysis and our partnerships with other conservation organizations. I work daily with the GIS data that is used to assess the natural resource and agricultural values of a property. I am skilled in conducting GIS analyses and conducting site visits to assess a property for its conservation values.
Education
University of Florida, Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Environmental Science, 2005 and Duke University, Master of Environmental Management and Certificate in Geospatial Analysis, 2007
Volunteer Work, Civic, Professional, and other Activities
I am a member of the Duval Audubon Society, the University of Florida Alumni Association and the Gator Band Alumni Association. Professionally I am also a member of several conservation groups, including the Northeast Florida Estuarine Restoration Team, Resilient First Coast and the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. Finally, I am completing the Natural Resources Leadership Institute program in April 2025.
Additional knowledge, skill, education or experience
I have extensive skills and experience in analyzing properties for their conservation values using GIS. In prior roles at NFLT, I have worked directly with landowners interested in conserving their land, from conducting background research on a property to completing site visits where the property is assessed for its conservation values. I am knowledgeable in determining if a property is a high value conservation property, and whether it should be considered for conservation.
REBECCA PERRY
Work Experience
I have over 20 years of experience in natural resource protection as a conservation real estate practitioner where I have successfully collaborated with federal, state, and local governments, as well as private entities, to secure over 25,000 of land throughout Florida. My expertise includes negotiating real estate transactions for conservation purposes, securing funding from public and private sources, and managing relationships with landowners and key stakeholders.
Education
University of North Florida — Jacksonville, FL Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management 2019 - 2022 Rollins College — Winter Park, FL Bachelor of Arts, Environmental and Growth Management Studies 2002 - 2005 Valencia Community College — Orlando, FL 1998 - 2002 Associate of Science, Paralegal Studies
Volunteer Work, Civic, Professional, and other Activities
Secretary, Alliance of Florida Land Trust
Additional knowledge, skill, education or experience
Over the course of my career, I have worked under service agreement contracts with multiple counties and city governments, where I helped to implement land acquisition programs like the Forests and Farms Conservation Land Program. In that capacity, I have presented projects and reported to committees similar to the LLC. This experience will give me a unique insight into project evaluation, and program processes. In addition, I have experience obtaining multiple sources of match funding.
APRIL J. THOMAS
Work Experience
My experience is in evaluating natural resources and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations for species, habitats, wetlands, and more. Additionally, I have experience partnering with agencies on resiliency solutions such as wildlife crossings and in matrix creation for determining locations of best practicability. I am familiar with species management plans, invasive species control, ecosystem restoration, watershed management, and agriculture BMPs for species and water quality.
Education
Ridgeview High School; 2015-2019; International Baccalaureate Programme University of North Florida; 2019-2022; Bachelor of Science in Biology concentrated in Coastal Environmental Science, Minor in Community Leadership University of Florida; 2023-2025 (To Graduate: Spring 2025); Master of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Volunteer Work, Civic, Professional, and other Activities
Professional participant / member of (1+ years): FL Aquatic Connectivity Team Southeast Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative: Florida Implementation Team Northeast and Big Bend Estuarine Restoration Teams Volunteer (1+ years): FL Native Plant Society: Threatened/Endangered Plant Relocation FL Master Naturalist Program: Shoreline Restoration, Invasive Plants Duval Audubon Society: North Florida Lights Out Duval Soil & Water Conservation District: Project Assistant Jax Zoo: Conservation Specialist (2 y)
Additional knowledge, skill, education or experience
I previously worked in FDEP permitting for 2 years and was a Certified Wetland Evaluator. I have experience in habitat and species assessments and surveys, conservation easements, and water quality policy. I regularly use GIS apps and data for analysis, map-making, and in-field use. My education covers policy, economics, and management of resources. I’m familiar with the county’s geologic hydrology, waters, biodiversity, and local issues (lake water levels, flooding, loss of rural lands, etc.).