James O'Brien
James joined the DRC in 2022 and his work primarily consists of water rights transactions and data monitoring and analysis.
Prior to joining the DRC, James spent four years in the U.S. Army and post-discharge earned a BS in Natural Resources Policy & Management from Oregon State University. After working in grassroots campaign and freshwater conservation roles, he returned to school where he earned a Master of Environmental Law & Policy from Vermont Law & Graduate School in 2021.
With a passion for storytelling, in 2022 he also completed a Communications for Conservation Graduate Certificate through Colorado State University’s Warner College of Natural Resources.
When he’s not working, James loves to spend time outdoors with his wife and their dog. You can find him exploring the beautiful waters of Central Oregon, almost always with a fly rod in hand.