ABP welcomes Wildlife Policy Advisor

ABP is pleased to welcome Samuel Vriend, who joins the organization as Wildlife Policy Advisor starting in January 2026.

In this role, Vriend will advance beef producers’ priorities related to wildlife policy, working closely with ABP’s Government Relations & Policy and Beef Production & Extension teams.

Vriend brings extensive experience in conservation, ecology, and stakeholder collaboration, having worked across government, private industry, and not-for-profit organizations, including the Alberta Conservation Association and the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

His career includes roles as a Wildland Firefighter, Conservation Coordinator, Terrestrial Ecologist, and Wildlife Biologist. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies – Biology and a Master’s degree in Environmental Practice.

Raised on a family-owned tree nursery near Edmonton and now based in Lethbridge with his wife and two sons, Vriend has strong personal ties to Alberta’s working landscapes. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting and fishing throughout the province with family and friends.

ABP looks forward to the knowledge, perspective, and collaborative approach Vriend will bring to the organization and to supporting producers on wildlife-related issues.