Alan Peterson was born and raised just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the town of White Oak.  He graduated from McKeesport High School and attended two years of college at Penn State University.  Alan followed his hearts desire and moved out west where he graduated with a B.A. degree from Fort Lewis College in Durango with a double major in English/Communications and Art.  Alan is an avid user of public lands and enjoys hiking, backpacking, camping, downhill and cross-country skiing.  Having so many acres of public lands in our backyard gives Alan a real sense of appreciation for outdoor recreation and education.  Alan is proud to play a vital role in demonstrating a land ethic through his work at SJMA.

Alan came to work at SJMA 12 years ago.  He started out as a Visitor Information Specialist and added the duties of the SJMA Bookstore Manager in 1998 upon the completion of the new Public Lands Center in Durango.  He now blends his experience and knowledge as the Director of Visitor Services and Bookstore Operations.  Alan supervises and manages the VIS staff throughout the San Juan National Forest/San Juan Resource Area.  He is also responsible for ordering and maintaining the interpretive products sold at all our outlets.  Additionally Alan provides support in the management of 5 interpretive bookstore outlets on the Rio Grande National Forest.  When Alan isn’t working you can generally find him enjoying the outdoors with his Springer Spaniel, Annie who is now 3 ½ years old.