Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto
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Giacometto in 2020
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| 17th Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service | |
| In office January 6, 2020 – January 19, 2021 |
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| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Margaret Everson (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Martha Williams |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Aurelia Skipwith
July 30, 1980 Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. |
| Spouse |
Leo Giacometto
(m. 2021; died 2022) |
| Education | Howard University (BS) Purdue University (MS) University of Kentucky (JD) |
Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto is an American attorney, businesswoman, and biologist. She served as the 17th director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service from 2019 to 2021. The Senate approved her as director on December 12, 2019. She was the first Black director of the Fish and Wildlife Service.
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Early Life and Education
Aurelia Skipwith was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1980. She was the oldest of nine children. Her family later moved to Columbus, Mississippi. Skipwith's father served in the United States Navy and the United States Army Reserve. Her grandfather was a farmer in Mississippi.
Skipwith studied biology at Howard University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 2003. She then earned a Master of Science degree in molecular genetics from Purdue University. Later, she received a law degree (Juris Doctor) from the University of Kentucky College of Law.
Career Highlights
Skipwith started her career at a company called Monsanto in 2006. She began as a lab technician and worked her way up to a manager role. After working at Monsanto, Skipwith went to law school.
She then worked as an intern at the United States Department of Agriculture. She also advised on intellectual property for the United States Agency for International Development. For some time, Skipwith worked at Alltech. This organization focuses on animal nutrition.
In early 2016, she helped start a company called AVC Global. This company worked with agricultural supply using new technology.
From 2017 to 2020, Skipwith worked for the Department of the Interior. She was a deputy assistant secretary for fish, wildlife, and parks.
Leading the Fish and Wildlife Service
Skipwith became the director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in January 2020. This agency works to protect wildlife and their habitats. Her appointment was supported by some groups. Other groups, like environmental organizations, had concerns. They pointed to her past work in the agriculture industry.
During her time as director, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service made several decisions. These included not granting protection to Monarch butterflies. They also changed rules about protecting birds from harm by companies. Another decision involved reducing protected areas for certain owls.
She left her position on January 19, 2021. In January 2024, she became the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. This department works to protect the environment in Louisiana.
Personal Life
Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto is married to Leo Giacometto. He was a member of the Montana Legislature. He also worked as a lobbyist in the agriculture field. Leo Giacometto was a co-founder of AVC Global, the company Skipwith helped start.
