Boyd began her career in natural resources in 1974 and 1975 as a DNR seasonal park ranger at the Brighton Recreation Area. She then worked as a hydrogeologist at the University of Wyoming and as an air quality specialist for the National Park Service in Denver, Colorado, before returning to Michigan to work as an exploration geologist in the private sector. Boyd joined the DNR full time as an area geologist in August 1982.

In 1989, Boyd was promoted to compliance unit supervisor for the Geological Survey Division. In addition to serving as a regional geologist from 1991 to 1995, supervisor of the technical and regulatory support section from 1995 to 1997 and acting chief of the Geological Survey Division in 1996, Boyd was the manager of the department’s resource mapping and aerial photography section for two years and served as manager of the mineral and land management section since 1998.

Boyd resides in Mulliken, and holds a bachelor’s degree in geology and a master’s degree in recreation and park administration from the University of Wyoming.