Trent M. Richardson

Environmental Scientist & Applied Geographer

Trent M. Richardson's profile photo
LocationKnoxvilleTennessee, United States
Current roleChief Operating OfficerHard Knox Life LLC · since Mar 2025
Government service14yrsU.S. Geological Survey (USGS) · Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of (BOEM)

About

I’m an environmental scientist and applied geographer with 20+ years leading large-scale conservation and resilience initiatives and translating science into strategy.

From federal service to fieldwork, I’ve turned geospatial insight into action—guiding national programs from natural hazards to offshore energy, securing $75M in appropriations, expanding science portfolios by 50%, and strengthening the systems that research, monitor, and communicate environmental risk.

My doctoral research in coastal geomorphology and shoreline change sharpened my ability to connect spatial data, risk, and real-world decision-making—skills I now apply to environmental strategy, energy policy, and regional resilience.

Let’s connect if you’re building:

- Data-driven conservation or resilience programs

- Partnerships linking science and community impact

- Geospatial strategies for climate, energy, or infrastructure

🌎 trent-richardson.com

Roles

Mar 2025–Present
Current role

Chief Operating Officer

Hard Knox Life LLC

Knoxville, Tennessee

Oct 2016–Jan 2025
Former role

Deputy Associate Director (Supervisory Physical Scientist)

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Natural Hazards Mission Area

Virginia

Aug 2013–Sep 2016
Former role

Chief of Staff (Program Analyst)

Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of (BOEM), Office of Strategic Resources

District of Columbia

Jun 2010–Jul 2013
Former role

Lease Sale Coordinator (Program Analyst)

Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of (BOEM), Leasing Division

Virginia