Chris Higgins is Director of Padilla Speer Beardsley, Inc., a public relations firm in Minneapolis. He has also served as an instructor at St. Mary’s University De La Salle Language Institute, Winona, and as an instructor at the British Centre, Salamanca, Spain.

Education: B.A., Philosophy and Business Management; M.A., Business Management, St. Mary’s University, Winona.

Quote: “Growing up in California, my introduction to the Mississippi River was only through Mark Twain. I remember the first time I saw it 20 years ago. The legend came to life. Whether canoeing its backwaters, hiking its banks or biking its trails, it’s been my natural escape since.”

Hobbies: Bicycling, water polo, enjoying all seasons outdoors.

FMR Board member since: 2004

Board committee: Mississippi River Challenge Committee

Interesting book: Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner

Favorite Mississippi River location: The river overlook near Perrot State Park in Trempealeau, Wisconsin.

Favorite animal: California Condor

Last memorable vacation: Argentina

Favorite musician: Bill Frisell

Conservation/environmental heroes: John Muir; and “anybody who sweeps mowed grass out of the street.”