In every organization, there are a few individuals whose presence leaves a mark deeper than any single achievement — a quiet, enduring legacy built not only on skill and accomplishment but on the care they show to the people around them. Dr. Ethan Epstein’s journey is one of those legacies. As he transitions into a new phase of life and career, we celebrate his years of leadership, mentorship, and unfailing dedication to the practice and purpose of cultural resource management.
From the Boardroom to the Backcountry
Epstein’s professional path defies convention. In 2000, he made the bold decision to leave behind a high-level role in corporate finance and pursue something radically different: archaeology. What began as a hunch — that happiness was buried somewhere in the dirt — grew into a career that would span decades and touch communities, ecosystems, and teams across the country.
After trying out a few courses and volunteering for survey projects, including a junior college field school where he excavated a kiva, Epstein was “completely on board.” He earned both his M.S. and Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, with a focus on geoarchaeology and flaked stone tools, specializing in Great Basin, Great Plains, and Great Lakes cultures.
But before his professional arc took hold, Epstein’s first “archaeology job” involved digging in the unpaved alley behind his childhood apartment in the Bronx, screening dirt with his sister to find treasures.
“Although we tried to earn a bit of money hawking these wares,” he remembers, “it turned out their value was not as great as the fine screen sediments prized for making dirt bombs”.
Leadership Through Legacy
As Principal of the Michigan Office, the headquarters of what was once Commonwealth Heritage, Epstein upheld a lineage that traced back to CHG founder Don Weir. According to longtime colleague and friend Rob Watson, Regional Principal, “he filled the role ably, continuing to grow the office and maintain the reputation of the company in the process”.
Epstein’s style was never about flash. He led with quiet consistency, high standards, and a relentless pursuit of quality.
“He has always led by example,” Watson said. “Although he has reached a level of what some would regard as expertise, he is keen to learn from others.”
Epstein’s relationships with staff, with agency partners, and with clients were collaborative and respectful, grounded in shared goals and trust built over time.
One of his greatest points of pride? Watching the Michigan office team grow.
“At times,” Epstein said, “I like to think I contributed favorably to their success”.
That humility and his steady leadership has been credited with fostering a culture of mentorship and excellence, especially evident in how thoughtfully he prepared the next generation, including Jason Lewis, Office Principal, and Kelly Hagenmaier, Emily Epstein, and Sarah Posin, all senior contributors, to carry the torch.
A Career of Milestones, Not Moments
While Epstein’s impact could be measured in reports, publications, or project wins, he sees his legacy more in the arc of process than in singular triumphs. Still, certain contributions stand out. His dissertation, a series of Report of Investigation studies on early Great Lakes sites, and a pivotal archaeological synopsis for the River Raisin Battlefield National Park, each reflect the deep thinking and field rigor that characterized his work.
But the thread that runs through it all is how Epstein showed up for his team and his colleagues. As Watson reflected, “He has earned my deepest respect and fondness that are difficult to articulate. Throughout the years he has been a colleague, collaborator, and friend”.
What Comes Next
Epstein’s departure isn’t a farewell, it’s an evolution. He’ll remain connected to Chronicle in an Emeritus role, offering mentorship and insight as needed, occasionally joining projects that require the most senior of expertise, and reminding us that a lifetime of experience can continue to guide long after formal titles are set aside.
Personally, Epstein is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and children, kayaking, fly fishing, and “greeting the unknown.”
He shared, “Having had two very successful careers, I can’t wait to surprise myself with what I am going to do next”.
He also had this to say to his colleagues:
“I’d really like to express how grateful I am for your support over the years. There were many ups and downs that you helped me through. And to Rob Watson…you’ve always been and remain the best.”
The Start of a New Tradition: The Emeritus Circle
Epstein’s story is the first in a new series honoring our treasured senior leaders — those who helped build the foundation we now stand on. His legacy is more than a job well done; it’s a lesson in integrity, curiosity, humility, and care. And it’s exactly the kind of story we want to keep illuminating.