Currently the staff consists of a branch chief, two field producers, one photographer, one studio manager, one technician, one image librarian, and an administrative assistant who supports this, and two other branches. Additionally, interns from Shepherd University and contractors are frequently used to keep pace with an ever-increasing work load.
Chief, Branch of Video Production
David Cooper has been with NCTC since 1996, and has over 25 years experience in the broadcast television and video production field . He received his training while serving eight years with the U.S. Army. Prior to his tenure with the Fish and Wildlife Service, David worked for other Federal agencies in DOD including the Pentagon and Defense Intelligence Agency. David supervises a video team of six staff members, three video production specialists, a still photographer, video engineer and a Media Librarian, all with many years of experience and creative talents.
Video Production Specialist
Brett Billings began working at NCTC in March 2004. Prior to NCTC, he learned all the best places to hunt, fish and boat in his native Bluegrass state while producing Kentucky Afield - the nation's longest-running outdoors TV show. Brett's 16 years production experience also includes tours in Germany, Portugal and Alaska as a military broadcaster. He earned a BIS in Environmental Broadcast Journalism from Eastern Kentucky University in 1997, and just finished his MS in Biology at EKU as well. Around NCTC Brett is known as the "Bug guy" and is always happy to show off his collection of aquatic insects.
Video Production Specialist
Doug Canfield began his career as a volunteer at NCTC in 1996 after graduating with a BA in English Literature and Communications. He spent the next 10 years doing freelance work for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, 60 Minutes, CBS Sunday Morning, and various other clients. His work has taken him all around the U.S. as well as Guatemala, England, Holland, and Ghana. His passion for travel has lead him to five continents, including 2 months in Latin America to study Spanish and a trip to Fiji to get certified for scuba diving.
Photographer
Ryan Hagerty has been working for NCTC since 1996 when he started as a volunteer. He graduated with a BFA in fine arts and works as a still photographer and videographer for the Fish and Wildlife Service. He has photographed wildlife on more than 80 National Wildlife Refuges, and sometimes climbs trees and scuba dives to obtain his photographs.
Technical Information Specialist
Jenny Peterson began working at NCTC in February 2008. She has over 14 years in federal service including six years with the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office as a Technical Information Specialist. She earned a B.A. in Music from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and a MLIS from San Jose State University.
Studio Manager
Mark Chesna has been with NCTC since 1998 and has over 23 years experience working in video with the government. He received a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in Radio-TV-Film and worked for 8 years in the Army before becoming a federal employee. Before coming to NCTC he spent 9 years at the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington D.C. splitting his time between video work at DIA, and working at the studio of DIN (Defense Intelligence Network) at the Pentagon. As an avid sports fan, he expects to attend his 2,300th career game sometime next year.
Electronic Engineer
Martin Brady
25+ years in private/public sector as radio/television engineer
Employed with NCTC since 1999
Administrative Specialist
Eileen Hornbaker has over 20 years of administrative experience working predominantly in the areas of communication, customer service and personnel. She came to NCTC in 2001, but has worked for the Federal government since 1986. She is responsible for the administrative operations of the office, personnel, budget, procurement, property, and contracting. Eileen enjoys learning, traveling, and working with people.
