Mark Nechodom's number one priority is public safety. As the Director of California's Department of Conservation, Nechodom integrates sustainable practices while preserving a balance between economic opportunities, environmental health, and human well-being. He exercises this balance in oil and gas regulations and practices in mining and reclamation. Nechodom's current position draws on his past experience as Director of the Office of Environmental Markets at USDA and Senior Climate Science Policy Advisor to the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service.

Nechodom was the Co-founder and Co-director of the Land Use and Natural Resources program at UC Davis. He earned his Ph.D. in political science and environmental policy from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he taught for several years.