John M. Simpson

John M. Simpson was raised in Salina, Kansas, pursued an education in business and law at the University of Kansas, and served as a Kansas state senator from 1972 to 1979 before becoming a candidate for U.S. Senate. He was inspired by hearing The Land Institute co-founder Wes Jackson speak about perennials and working with Flint Hills Ecology. John helped Wes and Dana Jackson launch The Land Institute in 1976 and was a founding member of its board of directors.

My most perennial trait is Curiosity—about the law and conservation.