Ty grew up amidst the high deserts of Southeast Idaho, developing a strong connection to the land through family farm and ranch operations, river trips, and mountain exploration in search of high-mountain lakes, hot springs, and abundant game. After serving in the United States Navy, he owned and operated a residential construction company in Boise while raising his two daughters.

Ty earned an A.Sc. in Biology from the College of Western Idaho, a B.Sc. in Ecology and Conservation Biology, and an M.Sc. in Natural Resources from the University of Idaho. He joined the South Santiam Watershed Council in 2023, first as the Ecological Projects Coordinator and now as Executive Director. During his time with the Council, he earned certificates in Beaver Coexistence and River Restoration and completed training in Nonprofit Financial Management and Planning.

As Executive Director, Ty is focused on building strong partnerships with landowners, agricultural operations, the timber industry, local municipalities, and agencies to advance restoration projects and practical multiple-land-use solutions that support working lands, community green spaces, and environmental needs. He is also passionate about community information sharing, education opportunities, wildfire readiness, and K–12 programs that connect youth to natural resources and stewardship.

Outside of work, Ty enjoys foraging, gardening, hunting, carpentry, and crabbing and clamming on the Oregon coast.