Groundbreaking New Effort to Train Next Generation of Conservation Leaders

Thirty-six of the nation's future natural resource conservation “future leaders” have been selected for fellowships with the National Conservation Leadership Institute. At a time when 77 percent of state fish and wildlife agency leaders are expected to retire in the next 10 years, the Institute is a new effort by the nation's top conservation agencies and organizations to address the nation's most significant conservation challenges of the twenty-first century—leadership.

“To be chosen among a nation of conservation professionals to take part in the inaugural class of the Institute is a great honor,” said Doug Austen, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Fish and Boating Commission. “The Institute is tackling a very important topic head on—the fact that many of conservation's current leaders are about to retire, and the legacy they leave behind will need to continue.”

The National Conservation Leadership Institute was created to train tomorrow's conservation leaders in the latest leadership thinking and practice, and each fellow learn from the nation's most influential conservation leaders and leadership experts including Marty Linsky, co-author of the book, Leadership on the Line . Through the Institute, 22 state fish and wildlife employees, 6 federal conservation agency employees, 2 tribal members, three industry employees and 3 nongovernmental agency employees will work together over the next 10 months on priority leadership challenges and solutions.

“This year, more than 60 natural resource organizations nominated employees to participate in this groundbreaking leadership experience,” said John Baughman , Chairman of the Institute board. “Out of the 60, the Institute selected 36 fellows this year. Those selected represent a diverse mix of people and perspectives from across the country and across organizational boundaries. We believe that Institute will have powerful results.”

Offered each year to a select group of 35 to 50 individuals identified by their nominating organizations as “high potentials”, the Institute is by no measure only a training program; it is a unique comprehensive learning experience designed to challenge assumptions, teach skills, facilitate networking, and strengthen confidence, preparing extraordinary leadership for the future. Each fellow was chosen for potential to build effective coalitions, lead organizational change, and deliver results; as well as for their work experience and goals.

"With the impending retirement of droves of federal and state agency personnel, our discipline is facing a shortage of experienced leaders just at a time when our challenges may be the greatest. This program will help fill that gap," said Bob Brown , President of The Wildlife Society.

The Institute is supported by the nation's most passionate conservation interests including: Sponsors for the National Conservation Leadership Institute include: The Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, The Weatherby Foundation, International Paper, Boone and Crockett, Pope and Young Club, Peabody Power, The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the National Conservation Training Center, Bass Pro Shops, John Baughman , the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the Campfire Club, and America's Wildlife Association for Resource Education.