Chris Higgins is a director at Padilla Speer Beardsley, Inc., a public relations and marketing firm with offices in Minneapolis and New York.

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

Quote: “Get the river perspective. Paddling the Mississippi River Challenge from the Coon Rapids Dam to Grey Cloud Island gave me a new appreciation for our metro and the National Park we have right in our backyard.”

Hobbies: Bicycling, camping, 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: Winnipeg. Yes, Winnipeg.

Favorite musicians: Oka, The Acorn, Sam Baker

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