Cheers to New Adventures: Rip Shively's Retirement Celebration!
We are both excited and saddened to announce the retirement of Rip Shively, who has served as the Environmental Health Program Coordinator for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) since 2022.
Rip's contributions to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) span an impressive career of over 35 years, during which he has significantly advanced our understanding of environmental health issues and fostered meaningful collaborations across various sectors.
Throughout his distinguished career, Rip has exemplified dedication and passion as a civil servant. Rip began his career at the Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC) in Cook, WA, in April of 1990. In 1990, WFRC was a US Fish and Wildlife Service organization. He was a temp employee until November of 1992, when he was hired as a term employee, but his leadership and can-do attitude soon garnered him a permanent position. In 1993, WFRC was moved into the newly created National Biological Service (NBS). He continued to lead field teams to collect data on the Columbia River, looking at a variety of issues in support of State and Federal Agencies. The change continued, and in 1996, the NBS moved to the USGS. Around 2000, Rip took a position in Klamath Falls, OR working on multiple sucker species in Klamath Lake. His ability to navigate challenging issues and bring in researchers from the Oregon Water Science Center to assist on the project was rewarded with a DOI Conservation Service Award in 2005. Then in 2008, Rip’s wife’s job required the family to move, and he took a position as the Bureau Approving Official for Biology, where he took away with him a greater knowledge of the outstanding science across all of USGS.
Years later, Rip took on the Acting Center Director roll at Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, where his leadership skills led to the opportunity to apply for the Center Director position at Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC). He was selected and served CERC as a strong advocate for the science conducted and opportunities for the staff. In late 2022, Rip joined the Ecosystems Mission Area as Environmental Health (EH) Program Coordinator. Within the EH Program, Rip has been leading from the front, looking for all opportunities to support the science and the centers.
Rip has been a mentor and a source of inspiration for many within the USGS and beyond. His ability to unite teams, promote innovative research, and advocate for One Health has left a lasting legacy that will continue to shape our work long after his departure. He has always taken the time to support and empower his colleagues, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that encouraged professional growth.
In addition to his professional achievements, Rip has also contributed greatly to the spirit and culture of our organization. His enthusiasm for teaching others, his unwavering support for his team, and his knack for bringing humor and camaraderie to our work gatherings make his retirement announcement hard to hear.
As Rip embarks on this new chapter of his life, we hope he enjoys every moment of his well-deserved retirement. May it be filled with joy, adventure, family time, travel, and dogs. We know he will be missed both professionally and personally, but we look forward to hearing about the exciting new experiences he will pursue, dog training, and puppies.
Rip, thank you for your years of dedicated service, guidance, and friendship. Congratulations on your retirement!