Lisa Van Alstyne grew up in a small community on the banks of the Hudson River in Upstate New York. She had a flourishing career with the NYS Department of Health and then with the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation. In these agencies, she managed programs to deliver education, conservation funding and support, and public health initiatives. Working with government agencies on all levels (from small municipalities to Federal agencies), industry associations, businesses, special interest groups, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, and the public, Lisa developed relationships, partnerships, and communities of practice to support the various efforts she was engaged with.

Lisa joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2009, developing and improving policy for the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (now known as the Office of Conservation Investment) and continuing to be engaged with internal and external partnership interests and employee growth initiatives.

Lisa retired from the Service as an employee in December 2022 and has been working for them as a part-time consultant through the Experienced Services Program. She continues to provide consultant services for various customers. 

Lisa completed Managing by Network in 2018, presenting a case study on Federal financial assistance and earning an Honors Certificate. She graduated from Collaborative Conservation: Partnerships in Practice in 2019, an advanced-level course that builds on the foundational skills taught in MbN. The work of the Academy so inspired her that she wanted to continue engaging in this community of practice.

Lisa lives in Hilton, NY and enjoys hiking, kayaking, yoga, gardening, writing, home DIY, caring for pets of all kinds, and especially enjoys being Grammy.